REYNOLD'^ l-'"^TnR]CM-
GENEALOGY Ct. LECTION
Digitized by tine Internet Archive
in 2015
https://archive.org/details/methodistepiscop00clar_1
METHomsT Episcopal Churches
OF
^ : BY
EEV. EDGAR V. CLARK, A. M.
NORWICH:
1867.
D . Clark, Edjrar Frederick, lS3r.-1014.
28467 'I'he Afcthodist Episcopal churches of Norwich, Codd. By
17 Rev. Edgar F. Clark, a. m. Norwich, 1807,
ZU, 270 p. a port (Incl. front.) 104*.
1. Norwich, Conn.—ClmrclicH, MptlimllMt K».lHCOi>al.
/r.o
Library of Coiiyrosa
^v..
24-10001)
1851490
Fhoto, by N. D, MOB G AN, N(yrwich, Cmn.
i
i
OOKTEITTS.
PAGE
Preface . . , iii
Introduction I
Methodism Organized » .13
History op Norwich North Church . . . . 22
History op M. B, Church on Wharp-Bridgb . * 53
History op Sachem Street Church .... 61
History op Main Street Church . . • • . 89
History op Greenville M. E, Church • , * . 144-
History op the Free Church . . , . . .152
Conclusion , . . . 203
Appbndls: a , , - • 215
Appendix B 233
Appendix 0 • • • 248
PEEFACE.
This Work is not committed to the press with the
ex[)ectation of reaping a literary or pecuniary harvest.
"Written under the pressure of ministerial duties, it is
designed to save from oblivion the early history ol
Methodism in this city, and transcribe from the few
remaining pillars of the churches, the inscriptions
which otherwise will soon be irrecoverable. We de-
sire hereby to return our hearty acknowledgments to
all who have assisted, by pen or information, in the
success of the undertaking, and especially to Rev. and
Mrs. David N. Bentley, by whose munificence and aid
the publication of the work has been indemnified.
Children of a generation long since past, may their
exodus to God be as glorious as their lives have been
devoted. To the Methodists of Norwich, on earth
and in heaven, is the Work affectionately dedicated
by the
Author.
I
LIST OF THE DONORS
, ,. . , OP ,
MAIN STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
FOR CENTENARY OBJECTS. 1839.
"William Callyhan,
Sarah E. Wilcox,
Levi Perry,
Mary R. Cook,
Elihu M. Frazier,
Ann M. Chapman,
James G. Dolbeare,
Phebe A. Pendleton,
Abby Dolbeare,
Sarah E. Hyde,
Henry Shepard,
Martha Roath,
Julia Hyde,
Ruth A. Gore,
Almira Shepard,
David 0. Fuller,
Mary Whiting,
Sarah A. Fuller,
Caroline B. Rix,
George D. Fuller,
James M. Stewart,
Rachel Van Cott,
Ebenezer Fuller,
Albert Weldon,
David G. Bentley,
Andrew J. Bently,
Arabel "W. Bentley,
Chauncy 0. Franklin,
Henry Hanson,
Joseph Chapman,
Rebecca P. Arnold,
George E. Harkuess,
Harriet E. Capron,
George H. Pool,
Reuben Harris,
Sarah J. Chapman,
N. P. Potter^
Caroline Bently,
William W. Holdrich,
Sally Hopkins,
L. W. Rogers,
J. B. Trueman,
John A. Robinson,
Nahum Fay,
Thomas Brown,
Sarah Harris,
Vashti Clark,
P. Van Cott,
Charlotfte Day,
3etsey Osbom,
Sarah A. Roath,
Patience Babcock,
* Mary Dorchester,
Aaron 0. Southwick,
Abby A. Culver,
Eldridge G. Allen,
Lucy A. Howard,
H. Allen,
Ellen Richards,
Thomas Kinney, Jr.,
viii
Isabella Hubbard,
Mary Wilbur,
Rebecca Ohampliu,
Abby Marsh,
Hannah Cranston,
Louisa Holdrich,
Mary Cranston,
Ann Watrous,
Downer Ladd,
Esther E. Ladd,
Caroline Tryon,
Electa Lummis,
Hannah Johnson,
Susan M. Allen,
E dna Geer,
Sarah Dennisou,
Asenath Babcock,
Sally M. Swinerton,
Henrietta Van Cott,
Jane Watrous,
Daniel Dorchester,
Joseph Carter,
James Buddington,
Charles Buddington,
Emily J. Witter,
Abby Gore,
Charlotte Carter,
Emily Godfrey,
Elizabeth D. Peny,
Alonzo Pay,
Abby L. Congdon,
John Perkins,
Hannah Cranston,
William Trench,
Edward A. Manning,
Maria Crawley,
Nancy Babcock,
Nancy Haywood,
Henrietta H. Trueman,
Henrietta Trueman,
Mary Johnson,
Harriet Brownaon,
Betsey Brewster,
Christopher C. Thompso
Ward B. Gleason,
Park Brewster,
Alfred Gleason,
Sylvia A. Burdick,
Augeline B. Rathburne,
Albert W. Ladd,
Betsey Chapman,
Elizabeth R. Bently,
Wealthy A. Watrous,
Sarah H. Dorchester,
Elizabeth Dorchester,
Mary L. Carter,
Harriet R. Barnes,
Philip R. Hyde,
George M. Loomis,
George Hebard,
Alfred Hebard,
William M. Shepard,
John S. Barnes,
Simeon D. Chapman,
Enoch F. Chapman,
Otis P. Cole,
Charles Cranston.
Elizabeth Cranston,
Mary E. Watrous,
Lucy E. Wilkie,
Mary H. Bently,
Sally Robinson,
Phebe A. Fay.
A PARTIAL HISTORICAL LIST OF OFFICERS
IN THE
M. E. CHURCHES OF NORWICH.
Stewards.
Adams, Henry A.,
Fellows, Joshua E.,
Allen, Charles H.,.
Frazier, Elihu M.,
Annis, William H.,
Frazier, William,
Armstrong, Aaron,
Frazier, Thomas M.,
Fuller, Jesse,
Bentley, David i^".,
Bentley, George
Gardner, U. S.,
Bowen, John,
Gifibrd, Erin,
Brady, John G.,
Griffing, Jeremiah,
Brewer, J. M.,
Brewster, Patrick,
Hill, Edwin,
Hopkins, Charles W.
Callyhan, William,
Hopkins. Joseph 0.,
Carrier^ A Ivan C,
Hull, Peleg,
Carrier, Titus,
Hunt, F. W.,
Carter, Samuel,
Hurlburt, F. B.,
Case, George,
Hurlburt, Wait,
Chapman, Enoch C,
Hurlburt, William,
Cobb, Amos E.,
Hyde, James,
Cole, Frederick,
Crosby, Hiram,
Ireson, Franklin,
Crowell, Zadoc C,
Currier, J. M.,
Jennings, James,
♦ Davis, Samuel A.,
Kendall, John,
Dennis, Jared D.,
Kingsloy, A. W.,
Eldredge, David P.,
Leach, Henry W.,
i
Lee, Henry P.,
Leffingwell, Greorge E.,
Lewis, W. B.,
Manning, Asa,
Maples, Joshua,
Maples, Joshua, Jr.,
Mitchell, Thomas,
Mitchell, John,
NickersoD, Joseph,
Palmer, H. C,
Palmer, William B.,
Park, Albert F.,
Pendleton, David,
Perkins, John,
Adams, Henry A.,
Allen, Elbridge G-.,
Beckwith, Oliver,
Bentley, David G.,
Bentley, David N.,
Bentley, George R.,
Bentley, Lorenzo D.,
Bill, Amos W.,
Billings, E., ^
Boon, E. G., ^
Brady, John G.,
Brewster, Albert,
Buell, Joshua B.,
'Calkins, B. M.,
Callyhan, William,
Carrier, Alvan A.,
Perry, John,
Perry, John B.,
Pierce, A. D.,
Pierce, Elmore,
Pratt, Caleb,
Seaman, David H:,
Standish, Nathan,
Stead, Owen,
Strickland, W. A.,
Toomey, David,
Whetmore, George,
Wilbur, John,
Woodward, Daniel J.
Class-Leaders.
Carrier, Titus,
Case, George,
Cole, Frederick,
Collins, Warren,
Corning, A.,
Cox, John Q.,
Cox, WilUam T.,
Covell, Thomas S.,
Cranston, Richmond,
Dennis, Jerod G.,
Fellows, Joshua A.,
Fuller, Jesse W.,
Gardner, 'Ulysses S.,
Gifford, Erin,
xi
Hopkins, Joseph 0.,
Huntington, Simon,
Jennings, James,
Kendall, John,
Kimon, Joseph,
' Kingalej, Charles,
Lftmphere, William,
Lewis, M.
Pendleton, David,
Perkins, John,
Perry, John B.,
Sherman, John,
Standish, Nathan,
Stead, Owen,
Tourtelotte, James
Trench, William,
Truman, J. B.,
Manning, Asa,
Manning, Edward
Noyes, Richard,
Warren, Albert G.,
Wildmac, Russell,
Sunday School Superintendents.
Barnes, John,
Hurlburt, William, .
Beaumont, Ingham,
Brewster, Albert,
Kingsley, William,
Carrier, AJvan C,
Leach, Henry W.,
Carrier, Tilus,
Lewis, Maxson P.,
Congdon, Charles,
Cox,W.T.,
, Manning, Asa,
Crowell, Zadok 0^
Manning, Edward A.
Dennis, Jared G.,
Peck, John H.,
Dennison, Charles, W.,
Perkins, John,
Perry, John B.,
Fellows, Joshua A,,
Fuller, Jesse W,,
Trueman, John B.,
Gardner, Ulysses S., ^
Upham, Nehemiah,
Gifford, Erin,
Wildman^ RusselL
Hopkins, Joseph 0., ^
Xll
Adams, J. A.,
Bentley, David Gr.,
Bentley, David N.,
Bentley, Lorenzo D.,
Blaekmer, John,
Brown, Henry,
Carrier, James M.,
Cooley, Horace,
Dennison, J. B.,
Dorchester, Daniel, Jr.,
Exhorters.
Godfrey, Orlando,
Noyes, Richard,
Swan, S. B.,
Trench, AViiliam,
Yaughan, Ariel,
Warren, Albert G.
Local Preachers.
Bentley, David K,
Bentley, George R.,
Bentley, Lorenzo D.,
Blaekmer, John,
Blanchard; John F.,
Brierley, James,
Brownson, Hector,
Dorchester, Daniel, Jr.,
Ely, Thomas,
Fillmore, Comfort D.,
Fillmore, Jehiel,
Gardner, Austin,
Hoyt, F. S.,
Huntington, Simon,
Hyde, Edward,
Hyde, James,
Kingsley, Augustus W.
Lamberton, Sewall,
May, George,
Park, Albert F.,
Smith, James S.,
Standish, John G.,
Thatcher, Hezekiab,
Warren, A. G ,
Whear, John.
CHAPTER I.
INTKODUCTION.
Thb Centenary Year of American Methodism
18 replete with grateful memories. The web of
time-honored associations has been strengthened
and extended, until there is not a city, scarcely a
town, within the United States, which is not vocal
^vrith the voices of the Past, calling her children to
visit the tomb of the Fatliers of transatlantic Ar-
minianisra, and borrow thence the treasures that
shall adorn and bless the Future.
The Norwich of to-day is under imperial obli-
gations to her Puritanic founders and ancestors, for
a high moral and religious cultus. That her former
pastors were possessed, of talent and influence, is
sufficiently evinced by their prolonged pastorships,
which find few parallels in New England, and
reflect the highest credit on both preacher and
people. The Church of Dr. Arms, in this, as well
as many other respects, is ^' sui generis,^' and pre-
sents a proud instance of elective conservation
amid the growing and capricious fickleness of the
times.
• Yet it can hardly be denied that the introduc-
tion of other evangelical churches has been produc-
tive of signal advantage, not only to their respective
1
2
INTKODUOTION.
communicants, but also to the faith and worship-
ing practice of the original denomination. The
character of the preaching has undergone great
changes for the better, which is not more true of
this city than of others. The sermons of early
times were marked by sincerity, unequivocal expo-
sition of doctrine, and reverence for divine auto-
cracy. But the following may indicate a distinctive
which formerly discounted the motive effects of the
discourses of the Sanctuary.
It is taken from the Weekly Register of this
city, Dec. 25, 1Y92, entitled, ''A Hint to the
Clergy," and is signed by " Religious Enquirer."
The writer says : Having observed the advantages
the community derive from the preaching and
pious examples of the clergy, in producing good
neighbors, good subjects to government, and indus-
trious people, I have a high estimation for them.
Yet there is one thing of more importance to indi-
viduals than any thing else, which, as far as my
knowledge extends among the clergy, seems much
overlooked by them ; whether it is from the nature
of the subject being entirely unintelligible, or from
their amazing neglect, is to me unknown. This,
however, is the fact, that the road to the celestial
mansion is very obscurely pointed out by them.
It is not uncommon for the same preacher, and in
the same sermon, to tell the audience they must do,
and they cannot do ; that they must go to God for
salvation, and they cannot ; that it is in the power
INTRODUCTION.
3
of all mankind to be saved if they would, and if
they are not all saved it is their own fault, and yet
that no one not elected can be saved, and a few
only are of the elect.
^* IIow these seeming contradictions are reconcil-
able, is to me unknown. Perhaps some gentleman
of the clergy will undertake to reconcile them and
make the matter plain to every understanding. If
they cannot, perhaps they will either deny the fact
or confess they have undertaken to explain what is
equally unintelligible to all.
"These propositions are certainly true : either all
mankind can be saved, or they cannot ; either there
are certain conditions, on which salvation is offered
to all mankind, that are in their power to coniply
Avith, or there are not. If the Saviour has purchas-
ed unconditional salvation for all mankind, or only
a part, then, whatever use a man may make of his
agency, it will not alter the matter, and he is saved
or danmed according to the sovereign will of Om-
nipotence. If this be the case, tell us plainly that
a man's conduct in this world can have no effect on
his happiness or misery in a state of future existence.
* Deny not fact for fear of consequences,' ' Do not
evil that good may come.' But if, on the other
hand, there are certain conditions, on which salva-
tion depends, that are in the power of all to comply
with, let them be clearly and plainly pointed out ;
for, if the conditions are inexplicable, or are such as
we are , incapable of complying with, the conse-
4
INTRODUCTION.
giiences are the same as unconditional salvation or
damnation. Were the conditions on which salva-
tion is offered to manhind explicitly pointed out^
the preacher would have little more to do than to
enforce the motives to compliance. Was this once
completely explained^ theology would he reduced to
simplicity^ and I should learn with facility wliat a
few, if an 3% have ever heard in this life."
The above quotation hints at a feature of the
then current preacliing, which has disappeared
none too soon from its p)7'ominence^ to be succeeded
by more of the practical and experimental.
To say that this reticence or change of base"
has wholly resulted from Methodism, is an assump-
tion too erroneous to command attention. To
suggest that she has administered a prominent in-
strumentality toward this status, few will be dis-
posed to deny. Methodism in its inceptive history
scarcely deserves the significancy of sect." That
which stamped it, was not schism, nor doctrine, but
activity in religious action^ and deep spiritual expe-
rience. It is well known to history that the great
Revival, called " Wesleyan," in deference to its
most illustrious promoter, was not denominational
in design ; nor, in fact, until after a period of several
years. Non^^onformist and Churchman, Arminian
and Calvinist, labored as coadjutors in that great
awakening. To-day, when the Calvinist Method-
ists of Wales are mentioned, the modern discrepancy
is irreconcilable only to such as are not conversant
INTRODUCTION.
5
with the progress of the movement in that country.
Congregationalism in this republic owes much of
her modern life and growth to the impetus received
from that morning, but Calvinistie star of Method-
ism, AVliitetield, wliose funeral sermon was preach-
ed by Wesley. Such of the early con verts as were n ot
Arminian in doctrine, fell to the regular churches,
for the most part, while the Arminian converts
of England and America, composing, in a brief
period, the strength of the reformers, grew at
length into a separate organization, whose influence
has been felt throughout the world; modifying
theology, influencing experience, and vitalizing the
energies of Anglican and American Protestantism.
Norwich would have been a glaring exception to
the general rule, had she remained unaffected, amid
the surrounding modulations. A glance at the
past and present suffices to convince the most
skeptical, that stagnation in doctrine, or in doctrinal
presentation, can never stigmatize the Kose of
New England." During the late revival of this
city, what Arminian could ask for more; what
Calvinist for less ? It is no common glory for Pu-
ritanism to boast that her tenets are practically
relieved of their former repugnance to action and
reason. And may not the hope be cherished that
the day is nearing, when, practically and cordially^
the evangelical churches shall be a unit in bringing
tlie world to Christ, and paving the way for the
^kingdom of God ?
CHAPTEE II.
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
Commencing in New York, the Methodism of
America spread over the Middle, and penetrated
the Southern States, before it had obtained in New
England.
The first Methodist preachers in this section
were Revs. Cornelius Cook and William Black.
The former is known to have preached at Norwalk,
of this State, in 1787. Methodism was " held
forth" in Sharon, Ct., the same year, where a society
was formed the year following.* In 1789, a new
* See Connecticut Historical Collections, p. 493. If this society
Tvas regularly organized, it must liave preceded that formed at
Stratfield, Sept 26, 1789, which is reported to have been the first
society formed, in Connecticut. Is it not probable the discrepancy
may be reconciled by supposing tlie society did not continue long,
in the same way as the " " first " society was said to have been
formed at Boston in Aug., 1792^ although Rev. William Boardman,
one of the first Methodist preachers who came to this country,
''preached and formed a small society in 1771 "? Or is the term
*• Society" used in different senses, since the "Conn. Historical
Collections " records, notwithstanding its assertion respecting
Sharon, that "the first Methodist society in New England was
formed by the Rev. Jesse Lee, Sept. 26, 1789," at Stratfield?
(See p. 413.) Rev. Aaron Hunt affirms that a small class at Stam-
ford, Ct., synchronizes with that at Sharon.
Rev. Cornelius Cook commenced itinerating in 1787. He died
suddenly of the yellow fever at New York City, in 1789. Rev»
i
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
r
circuit, the first in New England, was established
in this State, called at first " Stamford," afterward
" Reading," To this circuit, Revs. Jesse Lee and
Andrew Van Nostrand were appointed, but the
latter never traveled upon the circuit. The former
entered upon his duties June 17, 1789, at Nor-
walk, upon which date lie preached " the first "
Methodist sermon in that place, by an appointed
ministry. So great was the prejudice, that not
even a house could be procured ! I " Every person
was afraid to give liberty." Accordingly, going
William Black is recorded to have preached in Boston, Oct., ItSi,
but the light esteem in which Methodists were held influenced
most of the converts to seek communion in other denominations.
IliB labors in this State are httle known.
The following are the dates of the first Methodist sermons
preached at various towns within this State, by the regular min-
istry:
Norwalk .June iTth, 1789.
New Haven 21st, "
New London Sept. 2d,
Middletown Bee. Ith, *
Hartford... I...... " 9th. "
Tolbna , April 2d, 1790.
East Windsor.. " 3d,
Windsor. 7th,
SuffloM... " 9th,
Granby..,; nth, "
Endficld.. " 22d,
* W'intonbury 29th, "
Windham « . June 24th, "
Wlntonburjr was formerly a parish in Windsor, but has now
substituted the name of Bloomfield.
8
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
into the street, he sang, prayed, and " preached to
a decent congregation." This new circuit com-
prised Norwalk, Fairfield, Stratford, Milford, New
Haven, Derby, Newtown, Reading, Dan bury, and
Canaan, with intermediate places. It is recorded
that " many people flocked to hear the Word, and
sometimes they felt it; but men and women were
so fond of disputation about peculiar sentiments,
that they seldom left the place after preaclung
without having some dispute with the preacher."
The Ji?'st Methodist Meeting-house in New
England was built near the upper edge of Strat-
field (Easton, Ct.), 1797, and was long known by
the name of Lee's Chapel.""^ According to Dr.
Heman Bangs, " Mr. Lee said one day to the con-
gregation after preaching, that if they had a meeting-
house, they should have Sunday preaching. They
took the hint. One gave timber ; some took oxen
and drew it to the spot ; some went to scoring, and
some to hewing the timber, and they framed, raised,
and finished it about in the same way without much
concert or plan."
The first Society that was ever formed upon
this circuit was at Stratfield, Sept. 26, 1789.
Stratfield is now known as Bridgeport, and was
formerly a parish in Stratford. Here, Mr. Lee
* The first Methodist meeting-house in Rhode Island was
erected at Warren, 1794; in Massachusetts, at Lynn, 1791, dedi-
cated in less than ten weeks from tlio day the foundation was laid ;
in Maine, at Readfteld, 1791.
i >
i
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM. 9
states, a kind of class-meeting" was held, which
paved the way for the organization of a chiss on
the following day. The Society was composed of
three women, Misses Ruth Hall, Mary Hall, sisters,
and Ruth Wells. They all continued faithful until
death, and their last moments were characterized
by peace or triumph.
The second Class was formed at Reading, Dec.
28th, of the same year, consisting of one man, Mr.
Aaron Sandford, and one woman, Mrs. Hawley,
his wife's mother. This was, however, a notable
class, for in a short time, the first man, his brother,
and a lawyer, Samuel S. Smith, became ministers.
Thus the tireless and undaunted Lee pursued
his labors among a people who seemed to have en-
tertained little friendly feeling for the tenets of
Methodism. His first appearance in Norwich was
the result of events which demand our attention.
While he was journeying through the eastern
part of Connecticut, he preached at Tolland, where
Mrs. Tliankful Pierce, of Norwich, was paying a
visit to some friends. The advent of Mr. Lee ap-
pears to have caused a general sensation among the
inhabitants of that place, and, as large numbiers
went to hear him, drawn most likely by curiosity,
she accompanied her friends to learn something
about the New Sect," having never heard of the
name "Methodist." She was much affected by
the spirit and doctrine of the preacher, and invited
him to Norwich. Accepting the invitation, lie
10
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
came and preached in her lioiise first Methodist
sermon^ June 25, 1790. That house in which the
discourse was presented^ and in which the first
Methodist jpreaclier vxis entertained^ hy the first
convert to Methodism^ is still situated on West
Main Street^ directly opposite the residence of Rev. .
D. Bentley, On the following day, Mr. Lee
preached in the " Old Academy," which was situ-
ated at the foot of Bean Hill, at the instance of
Capt. James Hyde. It is not apparent nor probable
that he met with very great encouragement, for
these first Arminian sermons were followed by an
interval of over two years before regular preaching
was established by the Metliodists. It is, liowever,
reasonable to suppose that the views of Mr. Lee
had awakened attention, and elicited a desire on
the part of some to hear a further exposition of
his novel tenets.
On Feb. 27, 1790, Mr. Lee was joined by
Revs. Jacob Brush, George Roberts and Daniel
Smith, the two latter of whom were young preach-
ers. They met him at a quarterly meeting at
Dantown, a place situated between New York and
Connecticut. Their advent was a source of great
joy to Jesse Lee, who describes the services of the
next Sabbath in the following graphic language.
He says : On Sunday, preaching was in a new,
unfinished dwelling-house. In the time of preach-
ing, the Lord visited the people in mercy, and a
great cry was raised among them, such as was not
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM. 11
common in that part of the world. The people
were alarmed; some ran out of the house ; others,
that were above in the loft, ran to the end of the
house and jumped out on the ground. In the midst
of all the confusion, the Christians were exceeding-
ly happy."
In the Conference of 1790, three circuits were
"taken in" within the territory of Connecticut.
The New Haven Circuit was formed in March, and
" extended along the post-road from Milford to Hart-
ford." About the same time Litchfield Circuit was
formed, which comprised " the northwest part of
the State." Hartford Circuit, which coiriprised
"both sides of Connecticut Eiver," was formed late
in the spring. The name of Stamford or Reading
Circuit appears to have been substituted by Fair-
field. Of the three ministers mentioned above,
Revs. Daniel Smith and Geo. Roberts remained with
Mr. Lee, who was made Elder, and Rev. J. Brush
was appointed in October of that year to New Ro-
chelle Circuit. He was moreover reinforced by Rev.
John Bloodgood, appointed to Fairfield Circuit;
John Lee, to New Haven Circuit, and Nathaniel B.
Mills to Hartford Circuit.
It should be remembered that the territory of
the circuits was subject to great variation, and oft
embraced what was without the State, a fact to be
premised from the tireless and energetic character
of the pioneer itinerants of the New World. The
Hartford Circuit in 1790 included Wilbraham, Mass.
12
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
On the other hand, circuits whose names were
taken from adjoining States extended into our own.
The Granville Circuity of Mass., in 1798, included
a portion of Connecticut and was 200 miles in cir-
cumference !"
CHAPTKli ill.
METHODISM OKGANIZED.
The Conference appointments in Connecticut for
1791 were as follows, Jesse Lee being Elder :
Litchfield Circuit Matthias Swain, James Covel.
Fairfield " Nathaniel B. Mills, Aaron Hunt.
Middlefields John Allen, Geo. Roberts.
Hartford Lemuel Smith, and Me^zies Rainor.
The appointments for 1792 were:
Fairfield Circuit Joshua Taylor, Smith Weeks.
Litchfield " Philip Wager, James Coleman.
Middle-Town'' Richard Swain, Aaron Hunt.
Hartford " Hope Hull, Geo. Roberts, F. Aldridge.
Eev. Jacob Brush was Eldev^ in place of Eev.
Jesse Lee, whose star " continually ascended
northward, until it shone amid the forests of Maine.
The New London Circuit was first recorded in a
Conference, held at Tolland, Connecticut, August
11, 1793. The Conference was composed of ten
or twelve members," and is believed to have been
the first in the State (although an appointment was
made for 1791), and were nearly all " entertained
at Mr. Howard's liospitabie mansion." Bishop
. Asbury preached from 2 Tim. ii. 21-26 ; and having
concluded the business departed on the same day.
In the early part of the year, the circuit had been
formed, but this Conference recognized tlie circuit,
14
METHODISM ORGANIZED.
and designated for its ministry, Revs. George
Roberts, Richard Swain, and Fredus Aldridge. The
distance around the circuit was three luindred
miles.
Rev. Jesse Lee seems to have been particularly
interested in New London Circuit, especially in
New London. He says of the last named place :
" It was upwards of five years, from the time of the
Society's being formed in New London, until they
built a meeting-house to assemble in. Their meet-
ing-house was raised on the 20th day of July ^1798,
and the dedication sermon was preached in it two
days after the frame w^as raised, i, on Sunday,
the 22d of July, in the afternoon."
In 1796, a small class w^as formed in Norwich
North, comprising some of the best inhabitants of
tlie town. Among its earliest members we find the
names of Captain James Hyde, father of the late
Rev. Edward Hyde, Solomon Williams, Richard
Lamb, ^' Father Lathrop," Mrs. Carew, and her
amiable daughter Sarah, Mrs. Lamb, and Miss
Sarah Clement, of precious memory. There being
no class at the Landing, Mrs. Thankful Pierce also
united with this class.
Previous to this time, it is probable the converts
were known as Methodists, but this date constitutes
the epoch of their organization in this city.
Norwich North M. E, Church is, therefore, the
parent of all the M. E. Churches in the city, and
around her history, much of which is hermetically
METHODISM ORGANIZED. 15
sealed from the inspection of to-day, clings the ivy
of affection and gratitude, which centenary hands
are proud to weave into garlands for those who
long ago have joined the Church triumphant.
The introduction of Methodism into portions of
this State will serve to indicate the difficulties which
were encountered nearly everywhere, and which
relieve Norwich from the charge of extraordinary
opposition to the " new sect " in its early history.
The first sermon preached by Jesse Lee in New
England, was at Nor walk, June lY, 1789, and bears
the following record :
" At four o'clock I arrived at Norwalk, and
went to a Mr. Rogers, where one of our friends had
asked liberty for me to preach. When 1 came, Mrs.
R told me her husband was from home, and was
not willing for me to preacli in his house. I told
her we would hold meetings in the road, rather
than give any uneasiness. We proposed speaking
in an old house which stood just bj^ but ^he was
not willing. I then spoke to an old lady al)out
preaching in her orchard, but slie would not con-
sent, and said we would tread the grass down. The
other friend gave notice to some of the people.
They soon began to collect, some went to the road,
where we had an apple-tree to shade ics. When the
woman saw that I was determined to preach, she
said I might preach in the old house, but I told her
I thought it would be better to remain where we
were. So I began on the side of the road, with
16
METHODISM ORGANIZED.
about twenty hearers. After singing and pray-
ing, I preached on John iii. Y : Ye must be born
again. I felt happy that we were favored with so
comfortable a place ! ^ ^ Who knows but I
shall yet have a place in this town where I may
lay my head ? "
Of Wapping, Conn., where he preached, Aug.
26, 1Y94, he says : " I was happy to have an oppor-
tunity of retreating a little into much-loved solitude
at Capt. S — 's, a man of good sense and great
kindness. I had some enlargement on Is. Iv. 6-9,
and was enabled to speak with power and demon-
stration. I preached at T. S — 's barn : my spirits
were sunk at the wickedness of the people of this
place. My subject was Is. Ixiv. 1-7. Oh what
mountains are in the way! Idolatry, superstition,
prejudice of education, infidelity, riches, honors, and
the pleasures of the world. * "^^ Oh! how might
men address their own souls ; as. Oh ! my soul, hast
thou had conviction, penitence, faith, regeneration ?
Art thou ready to enter the unseen, unknown state
of happiness and stand before God ? Or wilt thou
be content to make thy bed in hell ?"
As an instance to show how theological differ-
ences operated to destroy unity, Farmington,Conn.,
furnishes illustration. Rev. Jesse Lee visited this
town, March 15, 1789, and was entertained with
dinner by a Mr. "W — . He says : " We had been
there but a little time when the old man began to
talk about principles, and the old lady to prepare
I
I
I
METHODISM ORGANIZKD.
IT
dinner. We continued the discourse till we had
dined. "When the old man found out that we be-
lieved that a person might fall from grace and be
lost, he discovered a good deal of anger, and said,
if David had died in the act of adultery, and Peter
while swearing, they would have been saved !
'Then,' said I, ' after a man is converted .he is
obliged to be saved, he can't help it.' ' Yes,' says
he, 'he is obliged to be so-ved whether he will or
not, for it is impossible for him to help it.' He said
he would as soon hear us curse God at once, as to
hear us say that God would give his love to a person
and then take it away. I told him God would
never take it away, but w^e might cast it away. See-
ing he was much ruffled in his temper, I thought it
best to be moving, so we asked him the way to Mr.
Coles' [Cowles (?)], but lie would not tell us, for he'
said Mr. Coles would not like his sending such men
to his house. However, we got directions from his
wife, and then set out."
This should not be taken as exponential of the
whole town, for Rev. Freeborn Garrettson, preach-
ing here June 27, 1790, records: "I preached
in Farmington to about thi ee hundred people, and
had great freedom in showing that Christ tasted
death for every man, and that, as the way was open, if
they did not repent, they would justly be damned.
There are a few precious souls here who cleave to
our doctrine and have united to our Society." A
little after he added : " Thursday I preached with
18
METHODISM ORGANIZED.
freedom at Farmington, and on Tuesday morning I
gave an exhortation on the subject of Baptism ;
baptized fourteen adults and children. We had a
sweet time."
Eev. Francis Asbury, the Apostle of American
Methodism," reports a " gracious shower at the
Quarterly Meeting" held at West Farmington,
July 20, 1791.
The obstacle to be encountered in the primitive
itinerancy can hardly be realized at this distant day.
The current theology was strongly intrenched, and
prescribed Church and State. The itinerants were
denounced in pulpit and parlor both on account of
doctrine and style. Such was the poverty of the
young church, that, at first, a married minister was
hardly found, for the reason that a sufficient sup-
port could not be obtained. Most of the pioneers
therefore located early in life and began secular
pursuits for domestic maintenance.
Rev. George Roberts, " during the whole period
of his labors in New England, never received over
$40 per annum, from any source, circuits and con-
ference dividends together, lie never had more
than one suit of clothes at once," and was accus-
tomed to mend "his garments with his own hands,
in the woods or behind a rock." Yet this servant
of God was characterized by dignity, a noble person,
powerful persuasion, and systematic sermons, and
* would have been an ornament to the clergy of any
age or church. Their triumphant deatli attested
METHODISM ORGANIZED.
19
the sincerity and glory of their sacrifices and the
divine favor, while they fell as
" The corn in its fullness, and sear in its leaf."
Rev. Jesse Lee, who first preached in this city,
was born in Prince George County, Virginia, 1758.
Early taught moral and religious duties, his mind
became deeply impressed, and after much mental
suff*ering, prompted especially by the conversion of
his parents, he was converted in youth, under the
ministry of Rev. Mi. Jarret, a clergyman of the
Protestant Episcopal Church. When sixteen years
of age, in 1774, he united with the Methodists, and
soon after, removing to North Carolina, became a
class leader ; then an exliorter, and afterward local
preacher. Attending a conference in 1782, he was
induced to enter upon itinerant service, and started
to form a new circuit in the South. After con-
tinuing his labors there for awhile, his mind was
providentially led toward New England, a desire
which he never abandoned, till it was realized in
1789. He entered all alone this great field, to be-
come, under God, the Founder of New England
Methodism. Hopeful under difficulties, systematic
in labor, zealous for souls, persuasive in utterance,
devoted to his work, he evinced great symmetry of
character and was worthy to introduce the denomi-
nation which now rises up to bless him.
Rev. George Roberts was one of the first min-
isters appointed to New^ London Circuit, in 1793.
20
METHODISM ORGANIZED.
Ill person lie was large ; in manner, dignified and
clieerfiil ; in elocntion, impressive ; capable of wit
and satire ; contented with little ; deeply laborious
and liiglily successful.
Rev. Richard Swain, who was associated with tlie
former, was characterized by mental activity, bril-
liant conversational powers, and willingness to work
amid primitive discouragements.
Rev. Zadock Priest died early in the ministry
from hemorrhage of the lungs, superinduced, it is
believed, by the extraordinary privations and labors
of the times. Few appear to have won a deeper
friendship in so limited a period, which is evi-
denced by the fact that a Christian brother desired
to be buried beside him, that he might sleep
with him in death." He fell in the 27th year of
his age, in a Methodist hotel," to which he had
been invited, and though the workman in tliose
days oft gained early
" Tho bright coast,
Ho fell as tho martyr, ho died id his post."
The name of Rev. Enoch Mudge was hallowed in
the hearts of those who listened to his preaching in
different parts of the States. lie was the first
Methodist preacher born in New England. Im-
pressive in mien, urbane in manners, varied in pul-
pit illustration, exceedingly amiable in disposition,
he filled life's cup in usefulness, successful, beloved,
and honored.
METHODISM ORGANIZED.
21
Barkhamstead, of this State, lias tlie lionor of the
birthplace of Rev. Timothy Merritt, whose influence
was weighty and extensive. Consecration, argu-
mentation, benevolence, laboriousness, simplicity,
and a tireless ardor, characterized that man of God,
who lies deeply embalmed in the love of a church
which he so signally honored during a long life.
The positions held by Eev. Shadracli Bostwick,
in the ministry, evince the respect and ability with
which he was blessed. For intellect, piety, and
manners, he was reckoned among tlie great of the
early itinerants, and his labors are fully recorded
in the " Lamb's Book of Life.''
Thus have we briefly sketched a few of the
primitive preachers of Norwich. They were a
noble company of men, and in their starlit thrones
to-day, their honor is brighter than Napoleon's,
while they share the joy of their Lord.
CHAPTER IV.
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURGH.
It lias been stated tliat a class was formed at
Bean Hill, in 1796. The Society here formed never
lost its organization, though experiencing great
changes. Tliey were accustomed to meet for pub-
lic worship in the " Old Academy," at the foot of
the hill, a large double building, the upper part
of which was divided by swinging partitions which
might be raised and fastened above. The lower
rooms were separated by an entrance, from which
stairs led the way into the upper rooms. This
aiiogeon^ or upper chamber," was their meeting-
house for many years. One part of it was seated
witli desks on an inclined floor, while the other con-
tained a large stage, together with some rougli
seats. Ill winter the partitions were closed, and in
summer they were raised, to unite the rooms.
Social meetings were often held during the week
at the residence of some member, where often
'* Heaven comes down our souls to greet,
While glory crowns the Mercy-seat."
In numbers they have never excelled, but their
religious position among tlie Methodist churches
HISTORY OF NOKWICII NORTH CHURCH. 23
of this city merits tlie interest and sympathy which
they will ever share.
Among the early members, Capt. James Hyde
held a leading intluence. Dr. Fisk says of him :
'Tie Avas a man of piety and one among the lirst
members of the Methodist Episcopal Clinrch in
Norwicli, Conn., and subsequently a local preacher."
His wife was a devout member of the Cono-reijca-
tional Church, in which comuiunion she lived and
died." He was beloved and respected for his piety
and moral integrity, carrying his religion with him
into secular pursuits. From his meat-cart he was
prepared to ascend the pulpit acceptably, or kneel
in his white frock with the sick and the dying.
One of the Abrahamic trials of his life was the
relinquishment of his son, Kev. Edward Hyde, to
the itinerancy, a son wliom he had designated to
be the prop of his old age.
The Sabbath previous to the departure of
young Edward, the father preached in reference to
the matter, under deep emotion, which was fully
warranted, for ere the son returned he had slept
the last sleep, leaning upon his God. He died
April 9, 1809, aged 57 years.
Mr. Solomon Williams holds estimable rank
among the pioneers of Norwich Methodism. Like
Capt. Hyde, he was many years a class-leader ;
industrious, consistent, and beloved. Not far from
1823 he assisted in revolutionizing the Old Acade-
my," removing the stage, rough seats, desks, in-
24
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
clined floor, and partitions, erecting a ])ulpit on
the centre of the back side, and a fliglit of stairs in
front on the ontside. The class-nieetini>\s were lone:
held at liis liouse, and lie often condncted social
meetings in the absence of the circnit preacher.
JTis service on earth ended Sept. 1, 1837, at the age
of 81. His wife, also an honored member, Iiad
deceased Sept. 13, 1825, aged 49 years. Withont
attempting to exhanst tlie catalogne of tlie early
members, we mnst not omit to mention the names
of Capt. Richard Lamb, who began celestial life
Nov. 28, 1809, of 65 years; Mr. Jeremiah
Griffing, deceasing March 12, 1825 ; Mr. David
Gillson, Aug. 19, 1817, wdio, while walking in
usual liealth, suddenly droj^ped dead.
Associated witli these men, were a number of
honorable women," who rendered no inconsider-
able service in the progress of Methodism. In
fact, woman was the means of its introduction into
the city, and her love for the institution has ever
been signal and practicah Among tlie most dis-
tinguished was Miss Sarah Clement,^' who taught
* Miss Clement was the daughter of Deacon Clement, wliose
residence was situated on Washington Street, next beyond that of
tlie late John Breed, Esq. He was possessed of a high Christian
reputation. The following is related. A man by the name of Mr.
Abel "Wing was accustomed to bring water for washing. One
morning, approaching the house in the performance of liis accus-
tomed work, he found Mr. Clement engaged in prayer, and listen-
ing, he heard him pray that the devil might " take wings [Wing]
and fly away." Not gathering the import of these words, and be-
HISTORY OF NOKWICir NORTH CHURCH. 25
for many years a private school of small cliildren.
"Wishing to obtain a letter of dismissal from Rev.
Mr. King's churcli, he replied, that he would give
her any amount of recommendation, but, from his
appreciation of lier, declined giving a demit, thus
making it necessary for her to enter the M. E.
Churcli by the door of " probation." She resided
a long time with her sister, Mrs. Capt. Kichard
Lamb, wdio was among the most devoted of that
day. They have been honored by the appellation
of pro?nme7it exliortevsr The former passed to
the ''Church triumphant," Sept. 1, 1832, aged 75
years ; the latter, Feb. 0, 1832, of 80 years. In
life, they were useful, beloved and pious ; in death,
they w^ere not long sepai*ated.
Miss Sarah Carew and her mother were held in
high estimation ; and Miss Sarah Caswell, whose
death occurred April 30, 1851.
But the most notable woman of the early
church was Mrs. Thankful Pierce. By her influ-
ence, as previously stated, Methodism was first
preached in this city, by Rev. Jesse Lee. Iler
coming ruffled, he went to a Mr. Oliver Arnold, a noted and poetic
wit, and related his version of the petition, and asked him to
compose an impromptu stanza upon it. Wliereupon he ex-
temporized:
" Deacon Clement, he did pray
The devil to take Wing and fly away.
The devil, I think he ain't half fair,
• He doii't regard the deacon's prayer."
2
I
26 IIISTOKY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
tombstone was inscribed with the following:
memory of Mrs, Thanlf ul Pierce^ relict of Capt,
Moses Pierce^ who died Feh, 3, 1821, aged 92.
jShe ^vas a mother In Israel^ and the frst member
of the MetJiodlst Ppiscopcd Church in this city^
whoj like Lydia^ first heard the lyreachers^ and
then received them into her ItouseP She was ever
a power in the chnrcli for good, gathering about
her a circle of devoted women, who were styled
" The Holy Band." There was sonietliing so inde-
scribably interesting and lovely in her spirit and
appearance, that she won the esteem of all who
knew her. She was afflicted for many years with
feeble eyesight, and linally was almost totally
blind. Relinquishing housekeeping, she resided
with her amiable daughter, Mrs. Gilbert, who par-
took of the maternal disposition. Still she main-
tained a faithful attendance on the means of grace,
regardless of distance. When the meetings were
held at the Old Masonic Hall," she was accus-
tomed to occupy a large-armed chair, near the
pulpit or desk, wdiere she feasted on the words of
life. Ever cheerful amid discouragements, she was
a lamp in darkness, as the following incident will
illustrate. In a season of spiritual reverses, when
some had moved a\vay and others backslidden, the
preacher came and found no preaching place, nor
provision for himself or horse, and standing witli
the class-paper in his hand, he asked her, Shall I
transfer your name to the Up-Town Class ?" Cast-
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 27
ing her sightless eyes toward him, she replied:
^' Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy ; when
I fall, I shall arise." She inherited a vigorous
constitution, generally enjoying good health. All
she seemed to require was an arm to guide her in
tlie way, and that was never w^anting, for such was
the attachment, tliat her friends and acquaintances
of all ages, particularly her grandchildren, vied
with each other who should enjoy the privilege of
leading that saintly mother to the place of worship.
Her last sickness was short, and her translation
glorious. On the evening of Feb. 2d, word vras dis-
patched to Rev. David N. I lentley, of this city, by her
kind-hearted grandson, Mr. N. Gilbert, tliat she
was failing, would probably not survive till morn-
ing, and wished him to repair to her death-room
without delay. Hurriedly dressing liimself, he
proceeded to her residence, when he was met at the
door by Capt. Gilbert, lier son-in-law, who said, " I
am glad you have come. Mother has been inquir-
ing after you all night, and, from the way she
spoke of you to ' come and help her die,' we think
she may be a little out." On his entering her
chamber and being announced, she reached her
death-cold hands toward him, which he, clasping,
said, " How do you do. Mamma Pierce ? " To this
she rejoined, " O, bless tlie Lord, I'm w^aiting to go !
My blessed Saviour has sent his heavenly chariot
for me ! And I've been waiting all night for you
to come and help me die ! ! 0, kneel right down
.J
28 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
here, and pray the Lord to release me now and let
me go to my long-wish ed-for Home, to my Father's
House above ! !" Immediately dropping upon
their knees, and engaging in prayer,
, The opening heavens around them shone
With beams of sacred bliss."
While the prayer was being offered, she clapped
her hands, saying, Glory ! Glory to God ! — I'm
going ! — Farewell ! — Glory ! I'm going — farewell !
— farewell !" Rising up from prayer, behold, the
mortal struggle had ceased. The accents of that
last farewell were hushed in the stillness of death.
The soul had entered the long-sought rest, and the
venerable tabernacle, which had withstood the
storms of ninety-two winters, was now forsaken of its
almost centennial occupant. Peace to her ashes ! her
eyes with trans-sepulchral clearness, forsooth^ may
betimes fill with the welfare of the churches she so
tenderly loved, but her spirit must be ever welcom-
ing us to the " chariot " that bore her so triumph-
antly to the Home of the soul.
It is probable a few persons were converted at
Bean Hill in 1794 and '95, as, in 1796, a " respect-
able " church was said to be located at the Aca-
demy." Some are known to have been added in
1796 and '97. Although 1798 witnessed little in-
crease, the members became much established, and
a larger number were converted in the following
year. The closing year of the eighteenth century
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCIT.
29
was remarkable in Norwich Methodism. The
Second Quarterly Conference for the circuit was
held at Norwich North, and was a Avonderfal meet-
ing for those times. Persons came from distant
parts of the circuit, women coming nearly thirty
miles on horseback, in the plain attire and dress
which distinguished the Methodist sisterliood of
that day. Such was the power of conviction at-
tending the Word, that two ladies, attempting to
leave the room, dropped suddenly to the floor, as if
struck with deatii.* During the year, two local
preachere, Revs. Wm. Gurley and John Beatty,
assisted the circuit preachers, and were of great
help to the young church. The former toolc a pro-
minent part in the insurrection of Ireland, 1798,
when, after undergoing multiplied dangers, his life
being attempted, he removed to Liverpool, whence
lie emigrated in the full of 1801 to the United
Statcf^ and s<»ttled in this city, where he remained
about ten years. His son lias since published his
memotrB, in which liis Wi'e appears in extenso. Many
a hon mot is told concerning his preaching. It is
related that on one occasion, in prayer, having re-
ferred to a promise of Scripture, he continued, —
"And now, good Lord, we put Thee up to it."
When asked at one time where he was going, he
replied, Down to Poquetonock, to give the devil
a kick." His son, Rev. L. B. Gurley, in his Me-
moirs has inserted a tradition which is proof that
* See Appendix B.
30 HISTORY OF KORWIOH NORTH CHURCH.
he could enjoy as well as occasion witticism. Par-
son Strong had a shoemaker in his parish, who,
though he seldom or never attended his church, was
assessed live dollars. As delinquent in payment as
in attendance, lie was at length waited on by the
parson, who, not willing to collect by law until he
had asked it, concluded to make a pastoral visit,
and modestly present his claim. The shoemaker
heard the demand with well-feigned surprise, ex-
claiming, " Why, Sir, I never heard you preach in
my life." " That is not my fault,"replied his Eeve-
rence ; my church was open to you, and you could
have heard if you chose." "True," replied the
now hopeful disciple, I did not think of that.
Well, parson, I will call to-morrow and settle all
demands." " O, very well, Sir. Good afternoon.
Sir," replied the minister, and bowing politely, left
the shop. True to his promise, the parson was
pleased to see the shoemaker at his hall door. " I
have come to settle with you parson," said he. " O,
very well; no hurry ; sit down." A glass of wine
was offered and accejjted, after which the visitor
took from under his arm his account-book, saying,
" Well, parson, we will now compare accounts."
The parson looked a little confused, but replied, " I
think you have nothing charged to me." " O, yes,"
said he, " here is a charge of live dollars for a pair
of boots." Boots ! boots !" said the astonished
parson, " surely there must be some mistake ; cer-
tainly, I never was in your shop till yesterday iu
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 31
my life." "True enough; but, sure, tliat was
not my fault, my shop was 0})en to you, as well
as your clmrcli to me. The accounts, you see,
exactly balance ; and of course you will be satis-
fied." So saying, he made a low bow, and, bid-
ding the astonished parson "good evening," re-
tired.
This year Methodism was established in the
city, and the returns from the classes for Confer-
ence showed about seventy members at Norwich
North.
During the five years following, little more was
.effected than to retain the former numbers. The
deaths, transfers, and apostasies, were about bal-
anced by the number of conversions each year.
The reprehensible conduct of the ministry of 1804
was a serious discount on the success and courage
of the members.
A revival commenced in Norwich while the
Conference was liolding its session, in 1 803, at which
Re\r. Edward Hyde was converted, with others who
have roaiaine<l faithful to the end. The history of
several Bucceeding years was marked by little that
was striking and much that was excellent both in
the ministry and laity ; the former, generally be-
loved and useful ; the latter, persistent, active, and
pious. If that period is stamped with little that is
extraordinary, it is stigmatized with little that is
culpable. Professors pursued with an even tenor
their lifeward journey, and Arminian views per-
32 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
meated the community as a silent but potent
leaven.*
Tlie name of the Church Society, as appears in
the minutes, was first called ''Norwich;" in 1834,
"Norwich North,'' which appellation it has very
generally retained. In local conversation, it is
often called " Bean Hill," from its locality.""^
The cliaracteristics of the sermons and clergy
have been highly varied. Some were argumenta-
tive, as Nichols and Jocelyn ; otliers doctrinal, like
Branch ; some eloquent in language, as McLane
and Coate; others simple in diction, like Dane ; a
part highly urbane — Marsh and Stewart ; others,
disciplinarian, as Yannest ; many young, like
Ruter, Norris, B. Sabin and McKee ; a })ortion
impassioned in utterance, as Ostrander and Blake.
Kev. Lewis Bates was a good preacher, especially
given to illustration. So great was his propensity
to this, that some of the older ministers thought he
merited a public caution from the Bishop. Accord-
ingly, when his name was called in the examination of
character, he was told by the Bishop that he ought to
be very careful not to lower the dignity of the sacred
office of the ministry by introducing any common-
place story, tending to degrade the Holy Scriptures,
or the pulpit. Brother Bates stood calmly and heard
the Bishop through, when he admitted the pro-
priety of the Bishop's admonition, and said it re-
minded him of a " circumstance^^ which he began
* For Preachers and Accessions, see Appendices A and C.
HISTOKY OF NORWICH NORTH CHUlTCH.
33
to relate, when the gravity of the Conference was
entirely unsettled by a general langli, Bishop and
all.
A few early references to Norwich were made
in the journals of the pioneers. Rev. Jesse Lee
preached at the Landing in a private house to a
large company, on or about Sept. 15, 1794.
Concerning the occasion, iie says, Glory be to
God, glory be to God forever. My soul was lost
in wonder, love, and praise. The people seemed,
by their looks, as if they were willing to receive
the truth, and turn to God.''
Bishup Asbury preached in the " Old Acade-
my," Monday,, eight o'clock, a. m., July 20, 1795,
having come hither from New London Conference
on the same day. He also attended a " Quarterly
Meeting," held in the same place, Sept. 17, of
the next year. lie spoke from 1 Pet. iv. 14 :
" If yo be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye ; for
the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On their part ho
is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified."
The Sabbath following was a great day for
Zion, and the Love Feast, commencing at eight
o'clock in the morning, was especially memorable.
The Bishop records : It was a sweet, refreshing
time ; several talked very feelingly, among whom
were some aged people ; many praised God for the
instrumentality of the Methodists in their salvation.
Two or three aged women spoke as on the bor-
ders of Eternity, and within sight of glory." He
2*
34 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCIT.
preached at the close of the Love Feast upon Rom. *
Yiii. 6-8, on wliich he says, " Serious impressions
appeared to be made on the minds of some of the
audience." Asbury and Lee visited Norwicli,
July 23, 1798, and after they had both given ex-
hortations, there was " a speaking and living time
among the brethren and sisters."
During the pastorsliip of Kev. Caleb D. Rogers
and Leonard Gritting, the church phinned the erec-
tion of a sanctuary, which was dedicated in the
summer of 1831, by an able sermon from Rev.
Fitch Reed, of the New York Conference.
Prominent in the movement was Erastus AVent-
worth, Esq., father of Dr. Wentworth, who was,
and still continues to be, a liberal communicant of
the Congregationalists. At a meeting of Messrs.
Joshua Maples, Aaron Armstrong, Joseph T. Man-
ning and others, prominent members of a subse-
quent date, he was invited to join their Conference
in this matter, and, with Mr. Grifhng, was ap-
pointed to circulate a subscription. The two lirst
named headed it each witli one hundred dollars, and
the requisite sum of a thousand dollars was indemni-
fied. It is highly gratifying, as it is due, to say that
the respective denominations of the city, generally,
contributed toward the new church. He was also
appointed first on the Building Connnittee, and
watched with a highly commendable interest the
young enterprise. He was requested to sell the
slips at the close of the dedicatory service, and re-
1851490
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH dllURCH. 35
plied, ^' I will do any thing but preach the dedication
sermon." lie appears to have been a signal help
in the choral services of that occasion, on wliich he
played the bass viol. A revival soon followed,
when his honored son becrame a subject of divine
grace, and richly rewarded his religious catholicity.
The Church has ever been blessed with devoted
men and women, who, loving its doctrines and dis-
cipline, have souglit and enjoyed the life and power
of Godliness. They have been celebrated at times
for their singing, and sgme of the earliest members
sang impressively in the spirit, to wit, Eev.
Amaziah Fullniore, Mr, David Gillson, and Mrs.
Capt. Richard Lamb ; and, combined with spiritu-
ality, formed no connnon attraction in the early
means of grace. Among its laity, at the present
time, Mr. Erin Gitibrd, a class-leader, sustains an
enviable character, lie joined the M. E. Church
in 1829, and has ever sustained a high reputation
for moral integrity, conscientiousness, sincerity,
fidelity, and a perennial piety. Mr. George Case,
for Christian benevolence and beneficence, has few
compeers in any church of the land, and, with all
the members of his estimable family, is a religious
power which may God long conserve to the cause
that honors him as it is honored by him. Messrs.
William T. Case and Thomas M. Frazier contribute
liberally to the interests of the Society, and with
others, whose names are in the Book of Life, merit
much more than our limits will allow.
36 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CUURCU.
.This churcli Las given to the Methodist ministry
some of its best and ilhistrioiis members.
Kev. John Whear was born in Cornwall, Eng-
land, Dec. 1835. Of pious parentage, he was
early the subject of religious influences, and at the
age of thirteen gave his heart to God. lie was
intended for mercantile pursuits, but, convinced
that he ought to preach, he studied theology, first
under Rev. II. W. Holland, and afterward under
Rev. James Emory. In 1851, he became an ex-
liorter, and afterward local preacher among the
Weslej^an Methodists of his native country. Pre-
ferring the M. E. Church of America, as a field of
labor, he emigrated, and landed at New York,
March 12, 1857. During tlie winter of that year
he assisted Rev. George W. Brewster, of the Main
Street Church of this city. The ensuing spring he
was ordained Deacon by Bishop Scott, and ap-
pointed to Norwich North, where he labored with
acceptability. The following year he was stationed
at Lebanon, but a chronic disease disabled him
from the Avork he so dearly loved. Though unfitted
for duty in the active ministry, he resides at the
home of his father-in-law, Mr. Erin Giffbrd, where
faithful and loving hands bestow merited kindness
and attention, lie is a marked instance of a mys-
terious Providence, Whose plans " are a great deep,"
and "Whose thoughts are not as our thoughts."
Bro. Whear was a minister of much promise,
deeply devoted to his work, and possessed of ardent
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH, 37
piety. His joy will ever be in knowing that they
SERVE God loho WAIT cheerf ulhj upon Ilim^ accord-
ing to His icisdom. In his uniformly patient cheer-
fulness under protracted sufferings he has furnished
a bright illustration of the gospel he preached.
Rev. Edward Hyde, of blessed memory, the
son of Capt. James Hyde, was born March 31,
1786. When eight years of age, he suffered a
severe attack of the scarlatina anginosa^ from
which he barely recovered to find his vocal powers
permanently imj^aired. At seventeen, he obtained
divine remission and commenced his ministerial life
Feb., 1809, and in IMarch entered the Ashburnham
Circuit. At the next Conference, which was held
in Monmouth, Me., he joined the itinerancy, and
was appointed successively to the following circuits
and stations: 1809, Toplin * and Salem, N. II.;
1810, Eeadfield, Me.; 1811, Scituate; 1812, Mar-
tha's Vineyard; 1813, Tolland; 1811, Somerset,
Bristol, and Rhode Island ; 1815, Warwick; 1816,
Pomfret ; 1817, Ashburnham ; 1818, '19, New Lon-
don; 1820, '21, AVellfleet; 1822, '23, '24, '25,
Presiding Elder over Boston District ; 1820, '27,
'28, '29, Presiding Elder over New London District ;
1830, Presiding Elder over Boston District. In 1831
he was stationed on Wilbraham Circuit, and was
made steward of the Wesleyan Academy, where he
remained until his death, March 16, 1832. It is
impossible to do justice in few words to this servant
pf God and the Church. He was beloved in every
38 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
relation of life, and whether as son, consort, brother,
friend or minister, he won great affection and re-
spect. Deeply devoted to his vocation, meek in
his carriage among his friends, dignified in man-
ners, and highly successful in his ministry, the
name of Rev. Edward Hyde is as ointment poured
forth." His last days were peculiarly triumphant,, as
he often broke out in joyful ecstasy over the good-
ness of God, in the atonement and his nearing,
many-mansioned Home. His dying utterances
were : llie chariot is come " — " Don't you see
them r—" Glory to God ! Hallelujah !! "
His only surviving child is the wife of Rev. C.
K. True, D. D., now of Boston, a woman whose
virtues, among a highly interesting family, evince
the character of paternal inheritance.
Dr. risk, who delivered his funeral sermon, says
of him : ^' He was a man of one work — he labored
solely for God and for the Church. From this he
could not be diverted, either by the hope of worldly
gain or worldly applause ; nor yet, what must have
been to him a still greater sacrifice, by a desire of
social relaxation and domestic enjoyment.'^ ^ From
the time he commenced his labors until his last
sickness, he never lost an appointment in conse-
quence of ill health, and he rarely complained of
fatigue." He rests :
'* Asleep in Jesus I blessed sleep,
From which none ever wake to weep."
Rev. Erastus Wentworth is of Puritan descent.
HISTOKY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 39
William Wentwortli followed the " Pilgrims*" to
New England in 1G28, and, with others, laid the
foundations of New Hampshire, where he died at
advanced age, in 1G97. lie had nine sons, progeni-
tors of Benningand John, royal governors of New
Hampshire, as well as of all the name in America.
The late Mrs. Sigom'ney was descended from his
son Paul ; Long John," member of Congress for
Illinois, from his son Ezekiel ; Dr. Wentwortli from
his son John. James, born 1721, great grandson of
William and great-grandfather of the subject of our
present sketch, settled in Norwich the middle of
the last century, where were born Lemuel, his grand-
father, in 1752, and Erastus, his father, in 1788. He
was born in Stonington, at the house of his mater-
nal grandfather, August 8, 1813, and removed to
Norwich the following year, where all his early
years were spent. Those years were the last of the
olden time, the last of knee-breeches and cocked
hats, sloops, stage coaches, spinning-wheels, sniall
fortunes ; pride in economy, religious observance of
Thanksgiving, and statedlessons in the Assembly of
Divines' Catechism.
Nature, men, books, society, these are the great
sources of first ideas, these lie at the foundation of
fortune, character, and life. Norwich scenery is
proverbially picturesque, rarely beautiful, never
sublime. Nature wears a rugged aspect in grani-
tic regions and primitive formations. The soil is
hard, strikingly like the grimmer features of Puri-
40 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH OHURCn.
tan character. Morals, religion, school and family
government, fifty years ago, were Scotch in precision
and sternness. The schoolmaster was an absolute,
often cruel tyrant, the father of a family an unap-
proachable autocrat, the " minister " held in reve-
rence, bordering on dread. Youth stood in whole-
some fear of the rod, the " tithing man," the
sheriff, constable, and " squire."
Books were few, carpets scarce, pianos rare,
cooking stoves and a thousand modern conveniences
and luxuries unknown. Boys, inclined to read, had
to " borrow " books ; a favorite volume circulated
from house to house till it was thumbed into illegi-
bleness. In those times, if the whole Bean Hill
neighborhood had been laid under contribution, it
would hardly have furnished books enough to form
a modern private library. Robinson Crusoe, Arabian
Nights, fairy tales, and the feeble romances of the
last century preceded Sunday-school literature and
the circulating library. New publications did not
then find instant way to the center-tables of wealth
and fashion. Magazines were occasional, dailies,
monthlies, and quarterlies unknown.
The curriculum of the common school was read-
ing, writing, spelling, arithmetic, geography, and
grammar. Murray's English Grammar was put into
the hands of Erastus while yet in the " woman's
school." Ilis daily progress could be marked by
the dog-eared and worn-out leaves. This cruel
custom of compelling children to study grammar, a
1
^1
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 41
branch fit only for adult years, and mature minds,
is still absurdly adliered to in all our schools. Pri-
vate schools furnished lessons in Algebra, Geometry,
Latin and Greek, composition and declamation.
The natural sciences were unknown.
Religious instruction consisted in a Saturday re-
cital of the Assembly's Catechism, from which it
was much easier to learn the picture couplets :
In Adam's fall,
We sinned all,'*
than the answers to the dry questions, " What is
man's chief end !" Added to tliisAvere public ser-
vices at the " meeting-house " on Sunday, with short
sermons from Dr. Strong, and a tliinly attended
week-evening lecture or conference at tiie Court
House."
Erastus's first religious impressions, like those of
Luther, were caused hy a startling providence. Li
1823, a schoolmate dropped dead at his feet, whicli
set him to thinking and praying. The same year the
old academy at Bean Hill, hitherto furnislied only in
loose planks, laid on piles of blocks, was permanent-
ly and conveniently seated, and supplied with
pulpit and altar. A revival " followed, and a
dozen boys from ten to fourteen years old fell into
the current, and kept up juvenile prayer meetings
from house to house for a number of weeks. Infant
piety was not much encouraged in those days, except
by a few good old ladies ; the affair was looked coldly
42 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
upon by the major part, and one by one the boys
" backslid.'' Erastus counted liimself a ^' backslider,"
and, out of a sense of shame, went as little as possible
to Metliodist meetings for the next six years. lie be-
longed down town," went there to Sunday-scliool,
sang in tlie clioir, loved the organ, and only at-
tended at the " old school-house" on warm after-
noons, or excessively cold Sundays, or to hear a new
preacher or enjoy the lively singing of a quarterly
meeting.
He was converted in 1831, at eighteen, joined
the Methodist Society at Bean Hill in September or
October of that year. The winter following, as
well as the two preceding, was spent in teaching.
In the spring of 1832, Rev. Peter Sabin wanted
to give him an exhorter's license, which he d<3clined,
saying, " I must go to school tirst and get some
education." '^Education," replied his minister,
" you have more education than most of our preach-
ers now. Jacob Abbott preached six years, and ac-
complished a wonderful work, and then went to
glory. If he had gone to college, all this would
have been lost to the Church and the world." Tliis
was a poser, but young Wentworth reflected, " I am
no Jacob Abbott," and in May, 1832, entered Caze-
novia Seminary, and in 1834 Wesley an Univer-
sity, where he graduated in 1837, and followed the
way Providence pointed out, which was for nearly
twenty years teaching in Methodist Institutions.
This was a severe field of labor. The more open
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH GHURCH. 43
and active labors of pioneer itinerants were full of
startling incident, as romantic often as romance itself.
The history of .tlie pioneer teachers of Methodism,
their labors, sacrifices, and privations, lias never been
written. Everybody knows how our academies and
colleges struggled into existence, but few know the
sacritices and toils of the men who made them. Pro-
fessor Wentworth's first field, Gouverneur Seminary,
was a hard one. The old academy burned down,
and was only rebuilt by immense labor and sacrifice.
The inhabitants of the region were poor, with but
little money at command, and their farms large-
ly mortgaged to mercenary dealers. Tuition rates
were cheap, and mostly paid in produce. As an
instance of the straits to which the faculty were often
driven, it is related that on one occasion, at the
close of the term, four of the teachers sat down to
divide among them its cash proceeds, thirty dollars,
in the ratio of the greatest necessity, and this too
when the Institution was indebted to them for
frightful arrearages of salary.
Poultney, his second field, entered in 1841, was
better, pecuniarily — the teachers were paid, but the
farm and buildings were thatched with mortgages to
satisfy current claims, and finally sold at fearful
sacrifice. In 1840, by advice of a physician, he
sought a milder climate for a consumptive compan-
ion. The trustees of McKendree College, Southern
Illinois, had just advertised for men who were will-
ing to undertake its professorships at ordinary
44 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
Methodist preachers' salaries, raised by the voluntary
contributions of the people of the Illinois Conference.
Their appeal met witli a host of responses, and four
were selected out of scores that offered. Professor
Wentworth, of Poultney, was elected President of
the Institution. A former President of the College
advised him to " take out a good library," and devote
the time spent in the AVest to study ; the advice
was good, but impracticable. The work of teaching,
preaching, lecturing, traveling, begging, and editing,
left little leisure for books. The Illinois Confer-
ence, preachers and peoj3le, responded nobly to the
efforts of the faculty, and a good work was done by
many generous hearts and willing hands.
In 1850, President Wentworth was called to the
Professorship of Natural Science in Dickinson
College, Pennsylvania. The same year, Alleghany
College conferred upon him, unsolicited, the degree
of Doctor of Divinity. In the West, with less than
four hundred dollars a year, he had saved money ;
here, with a salary of a thousand, he found himself
in debt five hundred dollars at the end of the year.
With the exception of a single season of severe af-
fliction in the loss of his wife and infant son, the
years spent in Carlisle were years of social comfort
and steady mental improvement. Sundays and
vacations, in common with the other clerical mem-
bers of the faculty, he made frequent excursions to
Ilarrisburgh, Philadelphia, Trenton, Baltimore, and
Washington, and all the adjacent regions, lecturing,
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 45
preaching, and representing the interests of educa-
tion and religion.
In 1854, some of his friends proposed that he go
to our Chinese Mission. The proposition grew out
of a conversation with Rev. George Looniis, sea-
men's ex-chaphxin at Canton, in which Dr. Went"
worth expressed a willingness to serve the Seamen's
Friend Society, as chaplain, for five years, if his
services were desired. " Why not go to our own
mission in Foochou, if willing to go abroad at all?"
suggested President Loomis. " Willing, but too
old," replied Professor Wentworth ; " none but
young men can acquire a strange language, particu-
larly one so difficult as ihe Chinese." The mis-
sionary secretary made the same objection. It is
valid, but was overruled in this instance, and in
January, 1855, he left the pulpit in New York for
China, the Cape of Good Hope, touching at tl^e
southern extremity of India in the passage. The
voyage was accomplished by June. It is ipipossi-
ble in this brief sketch to go into the details of mis-
sionary work for the next six years. It consisted
in the study of tlie hardest language in the world,
preaching in the colloquial dialect of the Fokean
province, distributing tracts and Testaments, trans-
lating into Chinese, overseeing native helpers, itine-
rating through the country, building houses and
churches, and, in some few instances, communicat-
ing a knowledge of English to missionary Chinese
youths. The ill health of his wife compelled his
46 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
return to America, after an absence of seven years,
that, though flavored with a due modicum of
the unpleasantnesses and disagreeables that are as
spices and pickles to existence, were among the most
pleasant and profitable of his life. In 1862 he took
pastoral cliarge of the North Second Street Cliurch,
Troy, N. Y., and in 1.865, of tlie State Street, in
the same city, where he is now devoting liimself to
the itinerant work as a member of the Troy Annual
Conference.
Dr. Wentworth is no ordinary man. Physically
he . is neither large nor small. He would be select-
ed in a company as a person commanding respect
and influence from his carriage and utterance, which
is winning in a high degree, lie is exceedingly
genial in his disposition, and is said to be sure to
render, in conversation, the choleric amiable, and
the dyspeptic self-forgetful."
In the pastoral relation, he is the companion of
his people, and beloved by the old and young; He
deals closely and faithfully with the conscience, and,
in private appeals to those with whom he is famil-
iar, is deeply impressive. In affliction he is tender
and consoling, and the people expect and And relief
from his presence and words in their severest
trials.
As a preacher, he is systematic, original, pow-
erful, and often overwhelming. He is very much
at home in a revival, and at camp-meeting, where
his pulpit talent is rarely surpassed. As an orator
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
47
and lecturer, for similar reasons, lie is liiglily popu-
lar.
Tlis literary attainments are of an uncommon
order. His reading is extensive and varied, and
the important scholastic positions filled by him tes-
tify liis ability to instruct and govern the young.
His piety is of an earnest and joyful character.
True, he has drank the cup of missions in China,
but he does not deem himself entitled to rest. Duty
seems to be privilege, and his views of the " cross-
es " of piety and religion are worthy to live in the
millennium.
Kev. Simon Huntington was born at Norwich,
August IS, iSOl, and was converted in 1820.
He was an active and exemplary Christian, apd,
impressed with the duty of preaching, after a tui-
tion of two years under Dr. Wilbur Fisk, at AVilbra-
ham, ]\rass., hercmovedj^to CanadaAVest, in 1829, tn.e
remainder of which conference year and the follow-
ing, were spent upon the Yonge Street Circuit. Rev.
John Carroll speaks of his first acquaintance with
him: ''I was preaching in the pulpit of the old
chapel in Belleville, on a Sunday morning iu June,
1829, when I was a little disconcerted by the ap-
pearance of what I then thought a handsome,
youthful stranger, in the garb of a preacher, who
paid great attention to the sermon. After it was
ended, I remarked that if there was a preacher in
the congregation, I would be very glad if he would
come forward and close the meeting. The stranger
48 HISTORY OF JSORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
came into the pulpit at once, and offered one of the
most beautifully appropriate and scriptural prayers
I thought I had ever heard." lie joined the Can-
ada Conference in 1832, in full connection^ and
married Miss Sarah Smith, sister of Rev. William
Smith, in the conference year of 1833. His appoint-
ments were : 1829, Yonge Street Circuit; 1830,
Westminster Circuit; 1831, Mississippi Circuit;
1832, Bonchire Mission ; 1833, '34, Augusta Circuit ;
1835, '36, Murray Circuit; 1837, New Market Cir-
cuit ; 1838, '39, Toronto Circuit ; 1840, '41, Whitby
Circuit ; 1842, '43, Kemptviile Circuit ; 1844, '45,
Rideau Circuit ; 1846, '47, Cornwall Circuit ; 1848,
Prescott Circuit ; 1849, Augusta Circuit ; 1850, '51,
Farmersville Circuit ; 1852, '53, Glanford ; 1854, '55,
Grimsby ; 1856, Walsingliam, at wliich place he,
deceased, August 25, 1856, soon after the session
of the Conference. Rev. George Goodson says:
''His illness was of short duration. lie did not
complain till Tuesday, the 19th, and nothing serious
was apprehended until Sunday afternoon, about
tliree o'clock, when Mrs. Huntington found his
mind delirious. But even then there was no thought
of death being near. lie died the next Monday
morning at four o'clock. It was sudden and un-
expected to those in the room with him. His dis-
ease was inflammation of the lungs.
In character, he was conscientious, zealous, un-
pretending, judicious, and patient. Rev. Mr. Carroll,
quoted above, said he had '' no higher wish than to
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 49
live as blamelessly, to die as safely, and to reign as
gloriously as Simon Huntington." The faithful
ashes sleep in the Wesleyan grave-yard of Wood-
house, whose beauty elicited his admiration on the
way to his last field of labor, but the soul, sur-
mounting the death-dew and tomb-corruption, rests
in the starlit home of angels, where the redeemed
find
Their toils are past, thoir work is done,
Aud they are fully blest."
Rev. Comfort D. Fillmore was born in Frank-
lin, Ct., July 8, 1792. lie was the youngest of
a family of fourteen, composed of seven sons and
seven daughters. His mother was a member of the
Methodist Episcoj)al Church, and in early life he
was a subject of serious impressions. He was
converted, Sept. 12, 1808 ; married Miss Annicc
Bailey, March IG, 1813 ; took ministerial license
near 1828, and Deacon's Orders in 1834, from
Bishop Hedding, from whom he received Elder's
Orders in 1845. Until within a few years he has
preached nearly every Sabbath, riding, much of the
time, thirteen miles and upward, for a large por-
tion of which he received no pecuniary compensa-
tion. He left Franklin for Lisbon in 1848, and
removed to Norwich in 1859. He was instrumental
in the purchase of a parsonage for Norwich Circuit,
which at that time included Norwich, Franklin,
Salem, Colchester, Montville, Ledyard, Preston,
3
50 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
Griswold, Lisbon, and Canterbury. It was situated
at Franklin, and was held for about five years,
when it was sold, and the avails divided among the
respective societies. He has preached nearly seven
hundred funeral sermons, and has seen his ministry
blessed in the conversion of scores of the unregene-
rate. Sharing the more early toils of the itinerants,
though he has ceased from the active duties of the
ministry, the memory of the past, its changes, mor-
tality, and successes, is like " the music of Carryl,
pleasant and mournful to the soul."
The labors of Rev. Amaziah Fillmore, of early
date, and Rev. Jehiel Fillmore, of a later period,
as local preachers in Norwich and the surrounding
towns, merit the gratitude of the Methodist Epis-
copal churches of to-day, and add to the signal
honors already bestowed upon the parent society.
Although the ministerial career of Rev. Ilezc-
kiali Thatcher was mostly in other places, yet his re-
membrance is cherished among the brotherhood of
his native town, in which his piety was imsullied.
Rev. Norris G. Lippett, the pastor incumbent,
was born at Killingly, Ct, He was converted at a
camp meeting, held at Thompson, of that State, in
the fourteenth year of his age, in which town he
was also baptized and received into ecclesiastical
membership by Rev. Abraham Hoi way. His rela-
tion was changed to the M. E. Church of Daniel-
sonville at its formation. He was licensed as a Local
Preacher by Rev. R. W. Allen, November, 1846 ;
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 51
ordained Local Deacon by Bishop Janes at Warren,
R. I., April 6, 1851 ; and Local Elder by Bishop
Scott at Norwich, April 4, 1858. During his resi-
dence in Killingly, he preached seventeen months
at North Killingly, and, having removed to Nor-
wich in 1852, he began preaching at Eagle ville in
the spring of 1853, where he continued two years.
II is next field of labor was at Norwich North,
three years, during the last of which a revival
followed, when sixty were converted. Greenville
held him only the ensuing year, and he returned to
Norwich North, and occupied " until the autumn
of 1862, when he supplied the pulpit of the M. E.
Church of New London, until the ensuing Annual
Conference. The following three years, he preach-
ed at the Free Church of this city. The past year,
he has held forth with his wonted success at the
North M. E. Church, where revival interest has
been enjoyed for several weeks.
Eev. N. G. Lippitt possesses an excellent repu-
tation among us as a man, Methodist, and minister.
His sermons are redolent of acumen, spirituality,
fervor, and practicalness, and his influence, life,
family, and piety, are a worthy instance of what
the Local Ministry might and would become, under
favorable circumstances.
It should be recorded that the pastorates of
Revs. Pardon T. Kenney and Sanford Benton were
highly appreciated, and Revs. George M. Carpen-
ter, Frank Bill, and Walter Ela, witnessed revival
52 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
prosperity. Others have labored as sincerely, and
their names are not only in the Book of Life, but
also upon the escutcheon of the North M. E.
Church. God rewards efforts and motives^ not
opportunities and chance results.
CHAPTER V.
THE M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE.
The first Methodist sermon of this city was preach-
ed at the Landing, and has been previously noticed.
The facilities tor worship afforded by the "Acade-
my," together with the early conversion of several
highly respected persons at Norwich North, attract-
ed the greatest part of the primitive itinerant labors
in this city. Still, the Landing was not forgotten,
and sermons were occasionally preached in that lo-
cality, by the clergy of the circuit. Among the
earliest places of worship employed by them was
the residence of Mr. Ephraim Story. He was a
Separatist," or rather he styled himself a " White-
field Methodist," and was much interested at first
in the new Order. His favor was changed, how-
ever, upon learning that they held to final apostasy,
and his house was for a time interdicted ; but, sub-
sequently, a minister came into the place of whom
it was reported that he did " not believe in falling
* His residence was on West Main Street, near where the
" Brook" crosses.
54 M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRTDGE.
from grace," whereupon Mr. Story offered to him
the occupation of his house for a sermon. The
minister, in his exordium, said he had been informed
that some Methodist preachers had taught that they
" believed in the doctrine of falling from grace ;
but," continued lie, " I don't believe in any such
doctrine. I believe it is wrong, yea, even wicked
to fall from grace; I believe we should keep the
grace committed unto us, and persevere even unto
the end."
Preaching was also soon held at the home of
Mrs. Sarah Hull, and Mrs. Martha Geer, of precious
memory, the danghter of Mrs. Hull. Their house
may still be seen near the corner of Thames Street,
on the road to the " Pottery."
The entire family of Mrs. Geer were all convert-
ed and joined the class at an early date. Jioili
Mrs. Hull and her daughter were greatly respected
and beloved for their moral and religious char-
acter.
In 1798, a small class was formed at the Landing,
greatly upon the encouragement furnished by the
arrival of Rev. John Beatty and his wife, from
Ireland. Their house, which was speedily opened
for divine worship, was situated near the Broadway
Church.
The following are believed to have been mem-
bers of that primitive class : Sarah Hull, Martha
Geer, William Geer, Mary Tabor, Mary Jeffers,
Edward Ewen, Lydia Ewen, John Beatty, Mary
M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDaE.
55
Beatty, Alfred Carpenter, James Miner, Lydia
Miner, Sarah Edwards, Anna Joy, a Mrs. Elderkin,
and a few more. Mr. Jones was one of its earliest
leaders, and was impressive in prayer and exhor-
tation. In 1800, Mr. Beatty remov^ed to AVater
Street, and, his residence not being suitable for
meetings, the " Old Masonic Hall," a large upper
room, situated on the north side of the same street,
was hired for divine worship — fit place in Avhich to
initiate into the Highest Degree. Here, in the
absence of tlie circuit preachers. Revs. William
Gurley and John Beatty, who were local preach-
ers, dispensed the " Word of Life " to a devoted
company, and the class seemed to have prospered
until their removal from the neighborhood or city.
In 1805, from the diminution of its numbers, the
remaining members were transferred to the class at
Norwich jSTorth. For the two successive years,
meetings were held occasionally at the Landing, by
special request. In the spring of 1807, Rev. David
N. Bentley removed to a house which he had pur-
chased, and invited the ministers to preach in it,
which they, accepting, came at irregular times in
the evening. During the ensuing year, preaching
was maintained once in about four weeks for a
part of the year, and the two years that succeeded
experienced no change for the better in respect to
the regular ministry. As the distance to the
Academy " was so great, in the latter part of
1810, meetings were commenced in the house of
56 M. E. CnURCII ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE.
Eev. D. N. Bentley, and continued until Confer-
ence. Bishop McKcndree and Presiding Elder
Iledding, on their way to the annual session, pass-
ed a night at the house of Mr. Bentley, and, learn-
ino^ the condition of the members at the Landino-,
determined to provide them with a pastor in the
future.
Accordingly, on the eleventli day of August,
1811, Rev. Jonathan Chaney preached at the house
of Mr. Bentley, at two o'clock, p. m., and formed the
members present into an independent society. The
society consisted of eleven members. Thankful
Pierce, the mother of the Methodists in this city,
Martha Geer, who entertained the preachers^ Jere-
miah Grifiing, the class-leader^ David N. Bentley,
Letitia Bentley, William Callyhan, Betsey Cally-
han, Lydia Ewen, Abigail Davison, Mary Jelfers,
and William C. Boon. During the year, Sabbath
services were held by the circuit preachers once in
two weeks, first at the house of Mr. Bentley,, and
then, after several months, an upper room was hii-ed
in a building situated on the north side of the
wharf-bridge called the " Market," which was car-
ried off by the September gale of 1815. This room
proving insufhcient for the congregation, the sail-
loft in the same vicinity was substituted, and the
earliest service held in it was upon the first Sabbath
in May, 1814. Upon the return of cold weather,
refuge was again sought at the house of Mr. Bent-
ley, who appeai-s as a prominent character of those
M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHA^RF-BRIDGE. 57
early times. In the spring of 1815, the " McCurdy
School-room " was procured for divine service. It
was located nearly in the rear of Messrs. I. M.
Bidwell & Sons' slioe-store, and was reached by* a
long flight of stone steps. On one occasion, some
mischievous boys covered the chimney, whicli was
easily accessible from the rear of the building ; and
the devoted assembly were compelled to vacate
under a cloud of smoke.
Early in the spring of 1816,-Mr. Bentley, after
inviting assistance from others, but meeting no
success, contracted, upon his own responsibility, for
the erection of a church, 36x30 feet, to be located
on the nortli side of Wharf Bridge. In order to
complete the undertaking, after having expended
his personal means, lie mortgaged his house upon
a loan of six hundred dollars. Rev. Ebenezer Blake,
on his first tour around the New London Circuit,
preached in the forenoon of August 17, 1816, at
Norwich North, and at two o'clock, p. m., he came
to the Landing, and dedicated the new church, tak-
ing for a text, Ps. Ixxviii. 20. The church was tilled
to overflowing, and the occasion deeply solemn and
-^interestinj]:. It would be diflicult to imai^ine the
joy of that early society over their new place of
worship, after having changed so repeatedly from
pillar to post," and sutfering inconveniences,
which it is doubtful if the more comfortable piet}^
of to-day would be willing to accept. • Though the
intervening years were highly prosperous, 1819
3*
5S
M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE.
was particularly marked for a revival under the
labors of Rev. J. Newland Maffitt. lie had come
to New London in pursuit of his brother, whom lie
found absent at a camp-meeting at Thompson, Ct.
Here Mr. MatHtt desired authority to preach ; but
having omitted to bring his credentials, the minis-
ters gave Rev. Edward Hyde discretionary power
to license or reject him.
Being at a loss how to dispose of him, he was
intrusted to Rev. D. N. Bentley, who brought
him home in his own carriage. The next Sabbath,
being indisposed, he was absent from church ; but
an appointment was made for the Tuesday evening
after, when he preached to the admiration of all,
and was requested to preach the succeeding night,
which was attended with greater manifestations,
only to be increased by the effort of the following
evening. He was the first in this locality to invite
the penitents forward for prayer, a custom which
meets with increasing favor, and has confirmed .the
resolutions of thousands. He remained under the
oflScial care of Mr. Bentley about four weeks, when
he proceeded to New London and other places, and
nearly everywhere his ministrations were attended
w^ith the most remarkable revivals.
The Norwich Circuit, taken from the New Lon-
don Circuit, included Norwich, Franklin, Lisbon,
Jewett City, Griswold, Gale's Ferry, Uncasville,
Montville, and Bozrah, together with several inci-
* Mr. Maffitt's first sermon in America.
M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE. 59
dental appointments. Althougli the territory of
the circuit embracing Norwich was hereby greatl}''
diminished, the amount of time to be devoted to
this city appears to have suffered little change, and
the labors of Mr. Bentley are worthy of special
gratitude in the conservation of Methodism among
us.
It will be remembered that tlie preachers, first
of New London Circuit, and afterward of Norwich
Circuit, though not mentioned consecutively in the
history, will be found in the Appendix, by reference
to which, the regular ministry of any year may be
determined for any of the churchee existing during
the time the circuit system obtained.
The years previous to 1823 were redolent of good
to the Landing Society ; but during that conference
year, the great flood of Feb. 23, 1821 bore away
their joy and pride, leaving the feeble and sorrow-
ing band in the deepest consternation. The church-
building was wrested from its foundations, and
carried on the bosom of the raging main like
some huge ark, until, when nearly opposite the
" boiler shop," the current of the Shetucket turned
its course upon a large rock, felling its sides, and
dismissing the roof, which was never heard of, while
the floor landed on the flats, nearly opposite
Allen's Point. Just previous to its dislocation,
Mr. Bentley entered it, and removed the Bible
and Hymn Book. The Society was left in debt,
and a superficial interpretation might have ren-
60 M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHAUF-BRTDGE.
dered the event ominous of the divine displeasure;
but, —
Far, Hir above thy thought
His counsel shall appear,
When fully Ho the work hath wrouglit
That caused thy needless fear."
Like Aaron's rod, cut off* from the parent tree,
the Society shall yet blossom in other parts, and its
influence, like fragrance, be scattered over a wider
territory.
CHAPTER VI.
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.*
Overwhelmed by the loss of the church on the
Wharf-Bridge, the feeble Society at the Landing
experienced little but hopelessness. Among the
few that dreamed of relief was Mr. Bentleyj.who
now, under God, as often at other times, became
the successful pilot to direct the tempested church
into unwonted prosperity.
The Episcopalians of this city, contemplating the
erection of a new church, invited them to unite in
a petition to the General Asseml)ly of the State,
requesting the grant of a Lottery''^ to raise the
sum of $20,000, to aid in building a house of wor-
ship for each Society. The legal sanction of lot-
teries, in those times, was of frequent occurrence.
The following example, taken from a Norwich
paper of 1801, will serve to illustrate the views
* Called "Falls," 1837; "Norwich Centre," 1853; "Sachem
Street," 1855 : " Norwicli Centre " resumed in Quarterly Conference
March 22, 185G, and retained till 1859, when " Sachem Street"
resumed.
62 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCTl.
wliicli were current resi)eetinj2!; tlie viorale of lot-
teries: The Presbyterian Meeting-house m Nor-
wich, First Society, having been the hist winter
destroyed by an incendiary, the Honorable Legisla-
ture, in May last, granted said Society a lottery^ to
enable it to rebuild the same, consisting of 4,800 tick-
ets at three dollars each, highest prize $1,000."
Further notice the following : The object of this
lottery, and the scheme to advance it, are snch as
to engage the attention, hoth of the speculatmg ad-
venturer^ and those 'wlio^ from i^nneiples of duty
and henenolence^ are disposed to contribute to the
best interests of society," &c. Truly " vox ^xypnli^'^
changing as the seasons, is far from being infallibly
" vox Dei^'^ and the sanction of a custom so baneful
to public weal and morality, has lost none too soon
the countenance of the moral and religious.
The plan proposed was ineffectual, as the Legis-
lature had previously bestowed a grant for another
object, extending over several years ; but Colonel
Elisha Tracy, of this city, introduced a resolution
authorizing the Governor to issue a proclamation
to all the churches of Connecticut, of every denomi-
nation, to take a contribution, on a specified Sab-
bath, for the benefit of the Methodists in Norwich
Landing. The resolution passed both branches of
the Legislature by a large majority, and the procla-
mation was duly signed by Governor Wolcott, and
recommended to the liberality of all the people.
For reasons amplj^ adequate, and especially because
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
G8
it was feared the collection would be at the expense
of a regular collection for some benevolent object,
wdiich was taken about this time among many of
the churches, the Brief of the Governor netted only
$463.32.
During this suspension of public service, the
Landing Society had been invited to meet in
various places : in the Congregational Church,
nearly opposite the Otis Library j in the Univer-
salist Church, as they had no regular ministry at
that time ; and in the Baptist Church, their pastor
being sick. The Episcopal Church was also gener-
ously tendered, and, on one occasion, Rector Pad-
dock performed the church service, and Mr. Bentley
preached the usual sermon. The catholic kindness
of the churches at this period of disaster merits the
grateful recognition of those who in brighter days
rejoice in witnessing their spiritual growth. Long
may God live to bless his friends and the friends of
Methodists, where the kindly breath of " The Rose
of Sharon " gently dist^Js on " The Rose of New
England."
Instead of applying the funds received from the
Brief toward the liquidation of the debt on the lost
church, Mr. Bentley, who was responsible, proposed
to make it a nucleus for another house of worship,
and, receiving promise of aid if the church should
be located at the Falls, concluded to build it at that
place. Mr. J. II. Burchard gave the site. Up-
wards of $500 was raised on subscription, and a
64 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
contract was made to do all except the inside work
for $800. It stands on the old site, but is now con-
verted into a carriage factory, owned by Mr. A. R.
Bingham.
Its corner-stone was laid by tlie Freemasons,
and a plan of the andience-roora being made out,
and the slips prized according to their eligibility,
an annual amount was stipulated to be paid on
each until the d'ebt, that was requisite for comple-
tion, should be cancelled. Under this indemnifica-
tion Mr. Bentley negotiated a loan of $500, and
became the trustee of the house, which was dedi-
cated June 19, 1825, by Rev. J. A. Merrill, Pre-
siding Elder of the District, on his return from
Conference. The Society had become reduced to
forty-five, but, still loving tlieir ''Alma Mater,'^
^' they found themselves once more happily seated"
in a house of God, where the " fruit of the Gospel
was sweet to their taste."^* The Society rapidly
increased, and in about a year reported one hundred
and eighty-three members.^ For several years after,
the Society experienced little that was extraordi-
nary in the territory of the present Sachem Street
M. E. Church. Some reverses followed from the
fluctuating employment of members, who, after
* See Appendix 0 for tlie class of 1827. Since about 1813, a
class had been formed at the Falls, Mr. Jeremiah Ladd, whose
residence was near the old Kngino-house of that portion of the city,
being its first leader. From 1823 to 1826 Mr, Jeremiah Grilfiug
was leader.
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
65
conversion, were compelled to seek labor in other
parts. Still, tlie additions by profession repaired
in great measnre this diminution, and the spiritu-
ality of the church was maintained in a connnend-
able degree. However, the year 1835 was especially
signnl for a revival under the labors of Rev. William
Livesey. It should be premised that Norwich was
made a Station in 1833, consisting of three Sabbath
appointments, — Norwich North, the Falls, and
Chelsea Landing. In a meeting held at the resi-
dence of Mr. John Perry, June 2, 1834, it was
Resolved^ first, That it is expedient to divide the Norwich
Station, so as to make that part of the town called Bean Hill, Ac,
into one Station for one preaolier ; and that the other part, called
the Falls, the Landing, and Greenville, compose the Korwicli City
Station; and that the Conference leave it with the Presiding Elder
to supply, as circumstances maj seem to require.
■ ^ JResolved, secondly, That a copy of the foregoing resolution be
sent to the ensuing New England Conference, as an expression of
the wishes of the Methodist Societ}' in Norwicli City.
Resolved, thirdly, That in case the Conference make the Nor-
wich City Society a separate Station, and leave us without a Con-
ference preacher this year, that we will use the same exertions to
make collections, both in public and in the classes, as if we had a
preacher from Conference."
The petition conveyed in the above resolutions
was granted, and upon division, 1834, the two
classes at the Falls numbered about sh'fi/ members,
and the Norwich City Station was supplied by Rev.
D. N. Bentley, preacher in cliarge, and Revs. George
May and Jolm Blackmer, Assistant Local Preach-
66
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
ers. Mr. Livesey divided liis labors tlie ensuing
year between the Falls and Landing, and, soon
after liis appointment to tliis city, a deep religions
interest was awakened at both places. Early in
September a "protracted meeting " was commenced
at the Falls, and after four or five days, the " moral
heavens began not only to shower, but to pour
down a steady rain, which continued with little in-
termission for about three months." The work ex-
tended to other appointments within the city, and
more than two hundred probationers were enrolled
within the Norwich Cit}^ Station at the expiration
of the year.
So great w^as the increase of members at the
Falls, they petitioned for a separate relation in the
Quarterly Conference held May 22, 1835, and the
request was amicably conceded by the members of
the Landing.
The subsequent history of this church is remarka-
bly even in its tenoi*. The pacific character of its
members, the perfection of its monetary system, the
absence of official emulation, and the piety and
sociability of the Society, have all tended to discount
fluctuation, and conserve general harmony in its
action. The ministry has tended to the same result,
spiritual, faithful, and irreproachable. While many
will long be remembered as leaving a blessing among
the people, an unusual revival crowned the labors
of Rev. A. Latham in 1841, which was only second
to that under Rev. AVilliam Livesey.
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. G7
The minutes give especially increased member-
ship for the pastorates of Revs. F. Fisk, B. M.
Walker, and D. 11. Ela. Ivev. William Leonard
conferred lasting honor upon himself by eftecting
the purchase of the present house of worship, after
much ])ainstaking and discouragement, in 1853."^
A motion had been set on foot to repair or build,
when, by the royal munificence and catholicity of
the lamented William P. Greene, Esq., and the
liberality of other gentlemen, the church was duly
purchased, and has since been held by a Methodist
Ecclesiastical Society, duly incorporated. The
amount paid was $2,765.(16, a sum incomparable
with the beauty of the site, one of the best in the
city, and the value of the edifice. Mr. Henry B.
Norton and others had contemplated converting it,
after purchase, into a Ladies' Semiiuiry, but gen-
erously relinquished their design. The services of
Rev. IT. W. Conant are equally honored by the
liquidation of the debt incurred, and the manner of
efl'ecting it. Leaving each donor to judge what he
ought to give, and withholding the sums pledged
by others from publicity for a period, he secured
the requisite amount, and, in this very just and
honorable manner, removed an incubus which was
becoming troublesome.
Perhaps the years 1S65, '66, will be remembered
* It was opened with a sermon by Bishop Baker, from Ps. xlviii.
12 and 13.
68 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
for a revival, tliat, coinmencing in the fall of the
former year, continued with varying success till the
spring of 1867. Signalized at no time by the great
excitement which sin and its penalty warrant, but
rather by deep interest and reflection, Christianity
won many to privileges^ and a feature, remarka-
ble with many of the converts, w^as the idea that
there is really no sacrifice nor cross in the Chris-
tian life. The requirements of the Christian reli-
gion they believed to be opportitnities^ dictated by
reason and love, not by divine capriciousness, nor
unrequited necessity. Sin pays notliing for every
thing : virtue pays every thing for a little, While,
before God, each one is a matter of high interest,
it would hardly be just to truth and the Holy
Spirit not to record that some of the conversions
were deeply interesting in character. Mr. Rufus
Ladd, long time respected for his general integrity,
became so impressed by a sermon from the text,
" Am I my brother's keeper ?" that he subsequently
declared he was upon the point of arising and
disclaiming his responsibility for the salvation of
others. A few evenings after, lie came forward to
the altar of penitents, and said, I have been in
the habit of believing Christians in this community,
and would as soon have their word as their note
upon all except one thing. This conversion, the
new-birth, I never could understand.'' With almost
a breathless anxiety, the audience awaited the se-
quel, and lie continued : But I'm going to take the
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
69
Bible for my guide, and if there is any thing in
religion, I'm going to lind it." lie soon reported
that the " Grace of God is a big thimj^^^ and only
regretted inability to express it. Though contained
within his " philosophy," a little beyond his phi-
losophy is the '"7no(/us opertuidP^ of the Spirit in
regeneration. Simnltaneously with his interesting
wife and household, he was initiated into the high-
est honor of mortals, or rather immortals. And
may the day be far distant when their opportunities
for well-spent probation shall be numbered.
The regenej-ative experience of Mr. Sylvester
Subert and Captain Daniel T. Adams, the latter of
whom commenced to seek Christ with little or no
unusual feeling, wdll long be remembered with
many others, of whom was Miss Elizabeth A.
Chappell, already gone for the many-mansioned
home, to pioneer the way for those who must soon
follow.
The list of deceased historic members contains
bright examples of piety, activity, and consecration.
Among the recent, the name of Mrs. Lydia P. Hop-
kins is highly honored. From the funeral sermon,
which was committed to pi-ess by her alfectionate
and highly respected children, we clip the follow-
ing:—
"Sister Lydia P. Hopkins, whose translation wo mourn to-day,
departed this Hfe January 17, 1866, aged 72. Until recently, her
health has been singularly good. Step by step, lor the last two
years, has the 'sable shepherd' been approaching to gather from
70 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
the damp cold meads of earth a member of his flock, whose un-
complaining attitude gave evidence of a desire to be led within the
heavenly fold. She was converted under the labors of Revs. R.
Ransom and L. B. Griffing, in 1829, in connection with her estima-
ble husband, who preceded her to heaven by a period of twenty*
four years.
" Her Christian life has been characterized by great consistency.
Her temperament was even, and, in harmony with this, her reli-
gious experience was the same. She pursued an even tenor to the
skies. Her mind was naturally strong, and her views well taken.
While others flagged in the journey, because temporary stimulus
had been withdrawn, she persisted in her life of faith, and to-day
from her starlit seat she may look on the sad wreck of souls, who,
wearied of the * narrow way,' deserted to the ' broad road.' She
was deeply interested in all that pertained to the welfare of Zion.
Whenever a revival obtained in the churches, she was especially
delighted, and evinced most plainly that the life of the church was
the hfe of her joys. Until prevented by infirmity, her attendance
on the social means of grace was regular, and in them she nearly
always participated. Though catholic in sentiment, and loving all
the churches of Christ, she was deeply attached to the church of
her choice, its doctrines and economy. Consistency, fidelity, punc-
tuality, spirituality, faith, and sympathy with Christian interests,
have been prominent in her religious life."
Of her husband, Mr. Joseph O. Hopkins, Eev. A.
Latham, who delivered his funeral sermon,"^ said :
" To tell you that he was a respected, beloved, and
useful citizen, would be but little of the truth con-
cerning him. To tell you that he discharged the
duties of a husband and fatlier faithfully and affec-
tionately, would be only to reiterate the language of
the sighs and tears of the now widowed wife and
* Preached December 5, 1841, and printed the following year.
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 71
fatherless children. But he was a Christian — a
humble, unobtrusive, consistent, faithful Christian."
Mrs. Eliza Ilurlburt, after an unostentatious
devotion to Christ, ended in peace her sufferings,
and, in the cold and dark of dying, left her fidelity
and faith to one, who, with a stricken father, is
sitting in the liglits and shadows of two worlds. .
Charge it to personal interest, but the conscious
pen refuses to pass by the demise of little Minnie
Allen, who slept the last sleep in the Shepherd's
arms, and who fills some mysterious niche in the
revolution of divine events. God's young, who
fight not the " fight of faith," but of pain and mor-
tality,/br the sake of others, merit a place even with
the martyrs of the Church.
Miss Elizabeth M. Phillips, daughter of Rev.
Joseph II. Phillips, died early to earth, sin, and
sorrow, and lived early to heaven, Christ, and her-
self
Earlier, the name of Miss Carrie M. Bowers, the
estimable daughter of Mr. John E. Bowers, whose
mention prompts a willing respect, honors the cause
of her early espousal, and was equally honored by
a peaceful exodus to life's land.
Mrs. Martha Witter held an even but upward
tenor in spiritual living, and, though being dead,
yet speaketh."
" The age that in heaven they spend,
For ever and ever shall last."
72 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
Mrs. Deborah B. Crandall, wife of Rev. Phineas
Crandall, died a liigldy respected member of the
Sachem St. Church, March 3, 1864. She was pos-
sessed of many charms and excellencies of character^
and enjoyed the lasting friendship of a large circle
of acquaintances. Rev. D. N. Bentley baptized her
at Jewett City, June 17, 1821, since which time she
remained a bright example of Christian character,
until summoned to enter " the joy of her Lord."
Her mother, the venerable Mrs. Wait Cady, soon
followed, from a neigliboring State, and, truly, in
her departure the Methodist Church suffered no
common loss. Seldom or never has it been our lot
to witness such devotion, faith, prayer, and spirit-
uality as were manifested in this Christian lady.
Heaven, hell, angels, devils, Christ, and eternity
were so real in her consciousness, that the promises
or warnings of God, and the foretastes of futurity,
were an inexhaustible source of joy or activity.
Mrs. Thankful Hempstead, the mother of tlie late
Rev. Henry E. Hempstead, of the New England
Conference, was among the most respected of the
earlier members. Two of her daughters, Mrs. Maria
Bowers and Mrs. Esther Farrington, live in the
grateful recognition of this church, which blesses
the memory of the translated mother, whose Chris-
tian life was as illustrious as it was valuable.
Mr. William Fletcher was one of the earliest
"members of the Sachem St. Church. His piety was
of a high order, and his devotion constant. He
HISTORY OF SACllKM STREET CTlUliCH.
73
lived long to glorify the interests of the church he
so tenderly loved, and a whole Society wept at his
grave, April, 1855.
Mr. Joseph W. Kimon, for many years a licensed
exhorter, was a faithful and respected member, and
the records add, he ''died well."
" 0 for the death of those
Wlio shimber in the Lord."
Of the Robinsons, Mr. Franklin Robinson and
wife, Mrs. Harriet Robinson, and Mr. Warren
Robinson and wife, afterwards Mrs. Diantha Hop-
kins, and daughter Harriet, 'ware among the dying ^
but now the Irving membej'S of the church, the
memory of whom is blessed. Mr. Amos E. Cobb,
Jr., died in the commencement of his usefulness,
but he lived long enough to evince the purity of a
Christian character, whose light goes not out in the
sanctuary of home.
Mrs. Tryphena Brady, wife of the esteemed Mr.
John G. Brady, departed this life April 12, 1859.
She lived^ and therefore died well^ as also Mr.
Frederick C. Stedman, Mr. Henry Welch, Mrs.
Rhoda Thompson, and Miss Prudence Willett.
Among the present members are many meriting
notice. There are few Societies where the same
proportions are ornaments, and so few are blemislies.
The Board of Stewards consists of Messrs. Benja-
min Upham, Charles Hopkins, JSfeliemiah Upham,
74 HISTORY OF 6ACHKM STREET CHURCH.
Amos E. Cobb, Charles H. Allen, William H. Ham-
ilton, Edwin S. Barrows, Daniel J. Woodward, and
William H. Hurlburt. The class-leaders are Messrs.
M. P. Lewis, who has also been a successful super-
intendent of the Sunday-school for many years, Asa
Manning, a veteran leader and pillar of the church,
and James Babcock, who has been, witli some inter-
ruption from change of locality, a chiss-leader for
thirty years. Messrs. John E. Bowers, William
Lampher, William Greenman, and Jared G. Dennis
formerly held the same honorable distinction.
While it seems almost invidious to select among the
general excellency of the recent membership, Messrs.
Samuel Hopkins, Rufus M. Ladd, Sylvester Subert,
Daniel T. Adams, Lewis A. Lamphere, several of
Mr. James C. Rogers's family, in a word, all the
members of the Praying Band^'^ furnish a just
pride for the church, while their lives promise to
their faith, if persistent ^ no common rank and joy
for the endless future.
Among those whose active membership has been
longer, are Messrs. Austin Bliss, George L. Yeomans,
Horace E. Burke, Henry R. Gardner, Hylon N.
Perry, Freeborn O. Fletcher, Alvin B. Bliss, and
Robert Atcherson, while several who have too
recently experienced religion for full communion,
promise not only happiness to themselves, but use-
fulness to the church militant.
. The family of Rev. Nelson Goodrich, who has
HISTORY OF SACHEM 8TEEET CHURCH.
•75
continued to fill regular appointments in the itine-
rant ministry, reside in this place, and, unlike what
sometimes occurs, are a valuable supplement to
the membership. Miss Eliza Goodrich, the eldest
daughter, has opened a private school under fa-
vorable auspices, and is eminently worthy of the
patronage she is receiving.
Rev. Joseph II. Phillips, a local preacher, is
highly respected, and although not slothful in busi-
ness," is " fervent in spirit," and a useful member ol
the Society.
The Perry family has been prominent in the
history of Norwich Methodism. Mr. John Perry
and wife, Mrs. Mary B. Perry, removed to Norwich
Falls in March, 1827, where they remained mem-
bers for about three years, when they united with
the North M. E. Churcli. Here Mr. Perry Avas
steward and class-leader until the day of his death,
April 12, 1841, his wife liaving deceased the pre-
vious year, November 16. Their son, Mr. John B.
Perry, was made superintendent of the Sunday-
school upon his first Sabbath at the Falls, and soon
a leader of the Sunday class, Mr. Ira Allen being
leader of the Saturday-evening class. He also led
an early class formed at the Landing. Class-
meetings were held at his house for fifteen years,
and he often led the prayer-meetings of Sunday and
Wednesday evenings for ten years. Liberal in the
religious disbursement of his means, his house was
the home of the primitive itinerant; and, early at
76 'histoky of sachem street church.
the sick-room, and late at tlie open grave, his activ-
ity is seldom excelled. His sister, Mrs. Mary Derby,
is a beloved and consistent member of tlie Main
Street M. E. Chnrcli, whom many of God's ambas-
sadors have reason to remember with no common
or fleeting gratitude.
The venerable Mrs. Lois Edwards, nearly blinded
by years, still lingers among tlie church militant,
only waiting for the boatman," and the dawning
of celestial day. Her daughter, Mrs. Eunice H.
Welch, and granddaughter, Mrs. Hannah K., wife
of Mr. Alvin B. Bliss, have entered upon the same
Christian experience, and are a living example of
the influence of parental education.
The sisterhood of this Society merits especial
commendation. In general, they are characterized
by harmony, freedom from detraction, kindness
and sympathy in the hour of affliction, and consist-
ency of religious life. In the Sabbath-school, the
class-room, the sewing society, tlie parlor, and
death-room, they command general respect, and the
mention of one would compel the uiention of many.
Mrs. Charles Witter and Mrs. Austin Bliss, though
not members of the Society in name, have done
much for a foster-mother, who forgets not her bene-
factresses. Such a sisterhood has earned the right
to testify at least in the common courts of Jesus ;
and if earth is the place to prepare for activity in
futurity, surely the Christian Church can as ill
afibrd to deprive woman of acquiring the public
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREKT CHURCH.
77
" ton " of heaven, as prevent itself from reaping the
power of her peerless exhortation and monition.
Eev. Edward Augustus Manning, son of Mr. Asa
Manning, was born at Norwich, August 6, 1820.
His earij life was cliaraeterized by manliness,
selected friendship, and morality. He was con-
verted September, 1835, baptized and received into
the Church during tlie pastorate of Eev. William
Livesey. He entered upon the trade of type-setting
at the printing-office of the Norwich Courier,- '
where he aoon became foreman, and in this capacity
remained till he had nearly attained majority.
He entered the AVesleyan Academy at Wilbraham,
August 4, 1841, with forty dollars, all told. Here,
by great economy, and a gentle exercise at sawing
wood, he continued a year, when, his means failing,
he was employed, by the kindness of F. Eand, Esq.,
agent of the Zion's Herald Association, in the
printing-ottice of the " Herald," and afterwards in
that of David H. Ela, Esq. In 1842 he resumed
his studies at the Academy, where he closed the
academic year, beloved and influential. He had
received exhorter's license as early as 1841, and
during his stay at Wilbraham had improved "
upon it several times. He soon became local
preacher, Eev. Eeuben Eansom being presiding
elder. His admission to Conference as a probationer
took place at Boston, in Church Street, 1843, where
he was first appointed to the Asbury Chapel, at
Springfield.
78 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
He found the Society in a feeble condition, hav-
ing been greatly reduced by changes that had taken
place in the United States Armory, located in the
vicinity of the church, but more seriously bi'oken
down by the excitement attending the preaching of
Millerism. Indeed, on arriving at his appointment,
so disastrous had been the influence of this excite-
ment among the churches as well as the community,
that the brethren had not expected a preacher.
They concluded, however, to try for three months,
and then decide whether or not to disband. The
year was passed prosperously, however, but, owing
to the interruption of employment in the Armory,
the reduction of wages, and other causes, the Society
was the next year merged in the new enterprise of
the Pynchon Street charge.
At the close of the year he was married to Miss
Edna A. Geer, of Norwich, by Rev. Richard Live-
sey, in the Main Street M. E. Church, in presence
of quite a large congregation, on the I7tlv day of
July, 1844.
His next Station was at South Hadley Falls,
where the great secession of Rev. O. Scott had left
its ruinous effects upon the Society. He found the
cliurch greatly dispirited and demoralized, for in
addition to the folly of secession, a predecessor had
lent his influence not a little to the encouragement
of a strong anti-temperance party in the community.
He had even invited to membership in the church
a person who liad been virtually excommunicated
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 79
from another cliurcli on account of his intemperate
habits ; whom he found installed as chorister.
With all prudence and tirmness he commenced
privately to effect a correction of this sad state of
things, so far as the chorister was concerned, hold-
ing up at the same time the great principles of
abstinence, cliaracteristic of cur discipline.
All his efforts in this direction proved unavailing,
however, for he could neither persuade the man to
leave off Ins tippling (which was notorious), nor
take himself out of the way ; neither could he per-
suade the official board, as such, to act in concert
witli him, or indeed to act at all. They even
refused to make any efforts to raise money for the
relief of his family. His circumstances, owing to
the sickness of his family, became exceedingly
embarrassed, and the tlireat was made by a leading
steward, that if he meddled with the temperance
question, he would risk his support. He quickly
responded to this intimation, " TJien I do risk my
supjjorty The risk was incurred only so far as the
official members were concerned, for the friends of
temperance in the place, getting an inkling of what
was going on, made him a princely donation, so
that he left the place without being in debt.
The next Station, Chesterfield, Mass., was signal-
ized by the building of a church edifice. At the
close, however, of two years, such was the earnest
desire of the people for his return, that, with the
presiding elder's advice and consent, upon tlie idea
80 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CIIURCir.
that a connection of Chesterfield witli some other
charge might be effected, throwing it into a circuit,
and he might remain anotlier year. He removed
his family into a new house which had been bought
expressly for him before the session of Conference.
Bishop Iledding positively declined sanctioning the
elder's plan, and he was removed to Charlemont,
Mass., where he remained two years, enjoying a
very extensive revival.
In Enfield he remained but one year, although
strongly urged to stay longer.
In South Walpole he enjoyed a good revival
during the two years he remained there, yet it was
a period of much affliction, the mother of Mrs.
Manning and two precious daughters being taken
away b}^ the "sable shepherd."
From this charge he was sent to Neponset, where
the Lord rewarded his labors with converts, but
was removed at the end of this Conference year to
the city of Charlestown, and stationed at the Union
Church. He had been but six weeks here, when,
by an accident to a train of cars, he received such
injuries that he was disabled from duty for the rest
of that year, and most of the two years following,
during which he was on the superannuated list. In
1855 he supplied for the most of the year the charge
in South Dan vers.
In 1856, '5Y, he was stationed in Lynn, at the
Boston Street charge, but was una])le to give him-
self up so arduously to the work as he desired, as
niSTOKY OF SACHEM STllEET OIIUKCH. 81
his health was for from being confirmed, and he
was under the necessity of seeking all possible out-
door exercises.
At the end of his term of hibor liere, he was sent
to Waltham, where, mucli improved, he was enabled
to renew liis work with something of his former
vigor. An old and dilapidated churcli was removed,
remodeled, and enlarged ; subsequently burnt, tlien
rebuilt. Meanwhile a very gracious outpouring of
God's Spirit was enjoyed, so tliat, at the end of three
years, during the latter of which he was a ''super-
numerary,-' he left tlie Society witli a tine church
edifice, worth some $18,000, and a parsonage worth
$2,000, incumbered by only $5,000, the meml)ership
nearly doubled, and tlie congregation largely in-
creased. The clmrch property previously was rated
at $1,500.
Thence he removed to Salem, wliere his health
became so miserable that he was removed at the
end of the year to Bennington Street charge, Bos-
ton, whence, after a highly successi'ul pastorate, he
was sent to the Centenary charge of the same city,
where he is now passing his third year.
Mr. Manning is a highly successful minister of
the Gospel. His amiability is a power which is
mirrored in a generous face and carriage. Dignity
amid affa'bility, cheerfulness amid gravity, personal
. sacrifice amid firmness in principle, are prominent
features in his character. As a minister, he is
earnest, evangelical, persuasive, and spiritual. He
4*
82 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
enjoys the happy art of aecommodating himself to
circumstances and individuals ; possesses a great
knowledge of hunum nature; is admirably adapted'
to the financial interests of a Society, and his repu-
tation as a church-builder has widely transpired.
He is esteemed as a pastor and friend, honored as a
minister, and efficient as a promoter of temperance.
His manly and successful efi^orts to prepare for use-
fulness are proof-text of a persistent energy, and
God will live long enough to complete a remunera-
tion the church can never bestow.
Rev. Billy Hibbard was born in this town, near
the " Star Farm," February 24, 1Y71. His parents
were Nathan Hibbard and Mahetable Crosby, who
died when he was about two years of age. His
father afterwards married Miss Phebe Fitch, of
wdiom he says, The first things of importance that
I can remember were the instructions of this good
woman." His education was limited in character,
and his influence and success as an itinerant ininis-
ter is to be largely attributed to God and native
talent. He was highly sensitive to the monitions
of conscience in youth, and yet appears to have
become early profane. When about twelve j^ears
of age he experienced religion, and continued in
great peace until the tenets of unconditional election
and reprobation led into unrest and trepidation of
soul. He records : " Often when I have been going
in secret for prayer and meditation, it has bolted
into my mind, If you are elected to be saved, you
HISTORY OF SACHEM STRRET CHURCH. 83
will be saved; and if you are reprobated to be
damned, rou will be damned, and why need you
pray so much?" His mind became so oppressed
under these views, lie prepared at one time to com-
mit suicide by hanging, but was prevented by the
sudden presence of his brother. He was led to this
sad conclusion from the following reasoning : " If
God has elected me, I can never be lost; if God
has reprobatgd me, I can never be saved ; and if I
live ever so religiously until I am eiglity or ninety
years old, I must notwithstanding be damned, and
have a more aggravated damnation than I would if
I were to hang myself and go to hell now ; besides,
if I were to hang myself, I should thereby put my-
self beyond the power of committing any more sin,
and the Lord knows that I would suffer almost any
thing, rather than commit any more sin ; it is odious
and grievous to my soul. But if I am elected, and
it is possible that I am, tlien though I hang myself,
I shall go straight to heaven, and certainly I had
rather be in heaven than here,"
By what he regarded to be divine impressions, he
was finally relieved of this nearly insupportable
dilemma, and he continued some time in a very
felicitous state of mind. For several reasons, his
religiousness subsequently waned, until a renewed
repentance and faith, soon after his marriage, re-
stored him, after great agony of spirit, to the con-
scious favor of Christ.
Soon after becoming a probationer in the M. E.
84 HISTORY OP SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
Church, he was appointed a class-leader. This was
followed by holding meetings, in wliich he sang,
prayed, and read Scripture, of which he gave an
exposition. After the most remarkable experience,
he accepted the call of God to labor as a minister
in His moral heritage, and selling his farm, preached
two years, as occasion offered, wliile he was prepar-
ing in study for the regular work of the itinerancy.
In 1797, he commenced to travel up<^n Pittstield
Circuit. June, 1798, lie was sent to Litchfield
Circuit; and at Granville, September, 1798, he
was received by the Conference, and appointed to
Dutchess Circuit. He records that "persecution
raged on Litchfield Circuit. The work of God was
manifested in power. Sometimes they fell as one
shot down in battle, and would lie without strength
from half an hour to two hours, when they would
arise happy in God." One young woman fell in
their meeting, and they carried her out to a private
house near by, and sent for a doctor. He said he
could not rightly tell what was the matter, but he
thought it best to bleed her; and while cording
her arm, she came to so as to speak, and she cried
out, ^ Nothing but the blood of Christ can do me
any good.' This made them give over bleeding
her."
During these twenty-nine months he received
only $217, including his presents ! And when ap-
pointed to Cambridge Circuit, 1799, he found him-
self destitute of njeans to remove his family, but he
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
85
was cheered by conversions and the inspiriting
language of his wife, who often said : If we can
do our duty to God liere, and be a means of saving
some souls, and get to Heaven at last, all our suf-
ferings will work together for our good." This
circuit required five hundred miles of travel, and
sixty-three sermons were preached in four weeks.
With no house to be obtained within this circuit ;
with all the contumely heaped upon the early
itinerant ; with all the hard and unrequited labor ;
with all the patience and good cheer of his wife,
who worked hard at spinning and weaving, to pro-
cure bread for herself and children, in a log-house
that would not shed rain, he stands to represent a
noble race of pioneers, many of w^hose sufferings
''crop out" on earth in the rich harvest of to-day,
but w^hose enviable recompense is with the Lord of
Glory.
The record of his experience upon Granville Cir-
cuit is veined by incidents of the most energetic
character, from a verbal discussion to the cowardly
action of a mob. Those who decry the age in
which we live as an age of growing corruption and
infidelity, would do well to consider the deism, lack
of aesthetia culture, parsimony, and prejudice of
those times. "Say ye not the former days were
better than these, for thou dost not inquire wisely
concerning them."
In 1802 he was stationed on Long Island, where
he procured a house, and removed his family. Of
S6 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
this place he says : The Long Island devil seemed
to be a different devil from tliat in other places — a
stupid indifterence, either as to religion or the hon-
ors of the world, prevailed generally. They had a
pretty good share, however, of the love of money."
Something of his idiosyncrasy may be gathered
from a niceting held at North Hempstead. At
this place several young women were awakened,
and were humbly seeking the Lord." This aroused
the opposition of several young men, who deter-
mined on mischief. So they came out in a mob
and beset the house. They consulted what to do."
He says, " As they saw through the window that I
stood on the farther side of the room preaching,
and opposite to me was a candle in a large brass
candlestick ; so they appointed a stout young man
of their party to go in and take that candlestick
and throw it at my head, and then rush out. This,
they said, would break up the meeting, and all the
people would rush out after him, and if I came out
they would catch me in the dark and throw me into
the Sound. So this young man came in and took
up the candlestick, according to their plan. I saw
he behaved oddly and strangely ; and while preach-
ing I kept my eye upon him. He made some
motions as if he would throw the candlestick at
me ; and just then, hearing some voices out of
doors, I concluded the devil was in him and in
those out of doors; and while he was looking at
me I broke off preaching abruptly, and said to him,
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
' Young man,' the devil is out of doors, calling for
you. Set down that candlestick and go out to
him.' lie immediately set down the candlestick
and went out. As he was going out, I cried out,
' That is a faithful servant of the devil. No sooner
is lie informed that his master wants him than he
goes immediately.' We had no more disturbance
that night ; for some reason, they all departed from
around the house."
In 1802 he was made elder in the ministry, at
Rhinebeck, by Bishop Asbury, and the same year
was reappointed to Dutchess Circuit, when, after a
year of great affliction to himself and family, he
took the ''^supernumerary" relation in a manner
that would doubtless be regarded highly "effective"
at the present day.
In 1805 he was appointed to Croton Circuit,
where, as upon the previous, large numbers w^ere
converted, and he continued with growing success
for two years.
On Nev<^ Kochelle Circuit, the year before, during
w^hich an impression of some calamity to take place
had long obtained in his mind, even from twelve
years of age, he believed that intimation was ful-
filled in the decease of his son John, upon whose
grave-stone he placed : —
" May death's best slumbers occupy thy urn.
The turf that hides thee, nature's hvery wear;
0, be tliou sacred in the silent bourne,
Till time rolls 'round the great Sabbatic )^ear."
88 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
In 1809 be went to Reading Circuit, where his
life was nearly as chameleon as ever. The tw^o
following years were passed on Conrtland Circuit,
where, after he had paid the junior preachers at
the end of the first quarter, he received eight cents !
Of which he clieerily says, I was happy with njy
eight cents. 'Blessed are tlie poor.'" 1813 was
occupied upon Pittsfield Circuit, and the following
year he was constituted a chaplain of a regiment of
militia. In 1815. he traveled Litchfield Circuit ; the
two succeeding years, Granville Circuit ; 1818, Chat-
ham Circuit ; New York City, two years ; after-
ward, in poor health, on Petersburg Circuit, one
year ; then at Dalton the same time, after which
he was compelled to take a superannuated" rela-
tion.
No one can read the autobiography of this emi-
nently singular and devoted minister without admi-
ration for his native talent, his piety, his cheerful
sacrifices, and success. His public ministry is re-
plete with them, and eternity alone can reveal the
results of his more than imperial life.
CHAPTER YII.
HISTORY OF MAIN STRP]ET M. E. CHURCH.*
For a time the churcli at tlie Falls appears to
have satisfied tlie members at the Landing as a
place for public Sabbath worship, but by 1833,
the distance was felt to be a severe tax on the con-
venience, if not the religious prosperity of the
latter, who determined upon the erection of a
sanctuary in that part of the city.f Pursuant to
this end, the Class at the Landing petitioned Con-
ference for permission to supply themselves with
the local ministry at their command, under the
supervision of the Presiding Elder, Rev. Daniel
Dorchester. Their petition meeting with favor.
Rev. D. N. Bentley was appointed ''preacl^r in
charge," and Revs. George May and John Black-
mer, " assistant ministers" in supplying the appoint-
ments.
At a general meeting of the brethren of the
♦Called "Norwich South," 1834; '^Landing," 1837; "East
Main Street," 1855; "Main Street," 1858.
f The Sabbath services had been held in the Town House.
90 HISTORY OF MAIN STKEET M. E. CHURCH.
Norwich City Station," as the appointment at
the Landing was then called, held June 23, 1834,
at the residence of Mr. Jesse Fuller, situated near
the corner of High and Main Streets, the following
resolutions were unanimously adopted : —
Resolved^ First, That the time has come when a Meeting-house
in the Landing, for the use of our Society, is indispensable.
*' Secondly, That we will make a united 'jffort to procure funds
for the purpose.
" Thirdly, That individuals are hereby authorized to procure a
lot of ground in their own name, and to make any contract, for
erecting a meeting-house on the same, that they may think pru-
dent ; Provided, that such individuals do the same on their own
personal and individual responsibility, so the Society, in its associate
capacity, be not involved by any such contract.
" George May, Secretary.'*
In view of such an arrangement, Rev. D. N.
Bentley and Mr. Jesse Fuller had some time pre-
viously purchased a lot on their own responsibility ;
and on the 5th of August, 1834, the said parties,
together with Mr. Andrew Clark, ^'jointly, and
severally agreed with ^lessrs. Shepard and Rogers,
to erect and. completely finish a meeting-house, 44^
by 60 feet, with a basement and steeple, for tlie
sum of $3,200." The lecture-room was finished by
the first Sabbath of January, when Rev. D. N.
Bentley preached the first sermon, from Gen. xxviii.
17. $617 were obtained »on subscription. Mr.
Andrew Clark gave $1,000, on the condition that
$70 per annum should be guaranteed to him dunng
his lifetime, and $60 to his wife so long as she might
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 91
survive him. Mr. Clark deceased July 10, 1839
and Mrs. Vasliti Clark, his widow, at Binghamton,
N. Y., August 27, 1800. Rev. D. Bentley
borrowed $600 of Miss Roxaua Starkweather, now
Mrs. Palmer, on his own note, and a still larger
sum at the Norwich Bank, mortgaging his house
for security. So prominent were liis exertions and
indemnification, that he received, with Mr. Jesse
Fuller, the deed of the property, and retained it
until July 1, ISW, when the pecuniary responsi-
bilities were assumed by the Board of Trustees,
appointed at the Quarterly Conference held in the
basement of the Main Street M. E. Church, Sep-
tember 9, 1843. The Board consisted of Messrs.
David N. Bentley, Jesse Fuller, William Callyhan,
John Perkins, George Ilebard, Richmond Cranston,
and Samuel Carter. Mr. William Callylian soon
resigned as trustee, and, December llrtli of the same
year, the Quarterly Conference, held at the residence
of Mr. John Perkins, elected Mr. John Barnes to
succeed him.
Tlie church was dedicated June 17, 1835, by a
sermon from Rev. Dr. Fisk, " in one of his happiest
efforts," founded on Ps. xciii. 5. The discourse was
" so exceedingly well adapted to the occasion, and
so evangelical in its doctrine, style, and spirit, that
it produced a most thrilling elfect upon the congre-
gation. They seemed to be held with an invisible
hand, awed and charmed as by a spell, wliile the
speaker presented a view of that ^ Holy House,'
92 HISTORY OF MAIN SIKKKT M. K. C'lIURC'II.
composed of ' Living Stones,' polished hy grace,
and made the dwelling-phice of the ]\[ost High
God."
The Station at tliis time embraced one hmidred
and eighty members, including those at the Falls.
Rev. William Livesey was present at the dedica-
tion, and early in the autumn a revival, which had
commenced at the Falls, added largely to the mem-
bership at the Landing. The following year the
Main Street Isl. E. Church became a Station.
Revivals of greater or less extent have character-
ized the ministry of most of the pastors of this
church, but they possess little that is peculiar. The
Society has always embraced devoted and talented
members, many of whom have entered upon the
" great reward," the memory of whom is fondly im-
pressed upon their surviving contemporaries, who,
faithful, must soon join them hi God's Elysium.
During the past year the vestry of the churcli
has been tastefully remodeled, under the pastoral
charge of Rev. I. M. Bidwell, and the ministry of
Revs. E. J. Ilaynes and Joseph D. Weeks, of the
Wesleyan LTjiiversity, under whom the congrega-
tion has greatly augmented. Several conversions
have taken place during the year, and if talent,
pecuniary ability, and a Divine disposition to bless,
are all the requisites of ecclesiastical prosperity,
this Society cannot fail of attaining a felicitous
future.
The following action was taken respecting the
HISTORY OF MAIN 8TRI0ET M. E. CHUl^CH. 93
Centenary of geiierul Methodism, which, as it be-
gan in England, may justly he called " British," to
distinguish it from ''American" Methodism.
''NoitwiCH, July 29, 1839.— At a meeting of the Official Board
this e veiling, some conversation was entered into respecting the
approacliing Centenary, recommended by the Wesleyans in Eng-
land, to commemorate the One Hundredth Year of Methodism. So
few being present, no order was taken, but it was concluded to
bring it4)efore the next Board meeting.
'■^ Auguist 31, 1830. — The Board met this evening.
Re^oh ed, That Rev. George F. Pool, preacher in charge, and
WilUam Trench, and John Perkins, be a committee, to take into
consideration the approaching Centenary, and to bring the subject
before the next Quarterly Meeting Conference.
^'September 2, 1839. — The Quarterly Meeting Conference having
met, the committee appointed by the last meeting of the Board
brought in their report on the suljject of the approaching Cen-
tenary of Methodism, consisting of a Preamble and Resolutions,
which were read, but it being too late in the evening to discuss
the subject, it was Rtsolved to adjourn until Friday evening next.
" September 6 — Quarterly fleeting Conference met as per ad-
journment. The records of the last meeting read. The Preamble
and Resolutions that were before the meeting on the 2d instant
were read, and passed separately, and are as follows : —
" * We, the members of the Quarterly Meeting Conference of
Norwich City Station, liereby record our gratitude to God that ho
has mercifully permitted us to live in the Hundredth Year of Method-
ism, and to hall with heartfelt joy the approaching Centennial
Celebration. In order that we may be actuated by a zeal becoming
so great and so rare an occasion, we adopt, as the basis of our
operations, the following resolutions: —
^ First, That wo cherish in grateful hearts the memory of AYes-
ley, who, under God, was the instrument of that revival of rehgion
which is so well calculated to spread Scriptural HoUness through-
out the world.
* Secondly, That our Doctrines and Disciphne, after the lapse
94 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH,
of a hundred' years, are still entitled to the high respect and ardent
love of all who bear the name of " Methodists."
' T/iirdly, That wo celebrate the Centenary of Methodism at
the time, and in the manner, recommended by our Annual Confer-
once — namely, on the 25th day of October next, with a prayer-
meeting at sunrise, a suitable public discourse at 11 o'clock, and a
love-feast in the evening.
" ' Fourthly, That we will not only make this an occasion for
spiritual improvement, but thai by our pecuniary contributions" we
will erect a monument which may long remain a blessing to the
Church and a memento of our gratitude to God, and of our attach-
ment to Methodism.
' Fifthly, That in addition to the objects of benevolence speci-
fied by the New England Conference, and in view of the wants of
our own Society, we recommend to our friends to direct at least
a part of their subscriptions, either to hquidate the debt on the
meeting-house, or to build a parsonage.
' Sixthly, That the names of all ivho contribute to one or more of
these olfjects he registered in a hook, and he preserved in the archives of
our church, as a memorial of their gratitude to God^ for having lived
in the Hundredth Year of Methodism.^
*' * Seventhly, That as soon as may be, a preparatory meeting be
held and subscriptions be opened for the above-named objects.
Resolved, We accept the whole document, including the Pre-
amble.
Resolved, We appoint the second Sabbath in October to hold the
Preparatory Meeting, and that a committee of five be appointed, to
make the necessary arrangements for conducting the meeting,
taking subscriptions, &c., to consist of the following persons:
Rev. George F. Pool, D. N. Bentley, William Callyhan, J. Perkins,
and Jesse Fuller."
• The following was taken from an Address given
(Signed)
" George F. Pool,
"John Perkins,
William Trench,
* See Appendix D.
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 95
by Rev. George G. Cookman, in John Street M. E.
Cliurcli, of New York City, October, 1839 :
"Sir, although upwards of eighteen years have passed away
since your speaker stood upon that sainted spot — the tomb of tlie
Rev. John Wesley's father — yet tlie subhniu and holy enthusiasm of
that moment lives and burns in this heart as intensely as ever. * *
Now in tliis, the Hundredth Year of Methodism, I find myself
standing in John Street Church, the birthplace of Ainerican' UGth-
odism, surrounded by a multitude of its warmest friends. What
hath God wrought 1 Surely, Sir, wo may sing,
"'When he first the work began,
Small and feeble was his day.'
Yes, Sir, while iu imagination's bright creation I see the parsonage
of Epworth on fire, and in yonder window a little boy enveloped
in the raging flames, and crying aloud for help, I involuntarily ex-
claim, ' Who is that boy ?' and the reply is, ' Yonder is little John
Wesley ; yonder is the boy who will set the world on fire ; yonder
is the boy that, under God, will make a stronger impression upon
the public mind, and public morals, than all the philosophers who
have ever written, or the legislators who liave ever governed.*
For, Sir, the little plant of Methodism which was placed by his
hand, as a root in a dry ground, amid the scoffs and persecution of
the world, has become a most magnificent tree, throwing its wide-
spreading branches over the continents of the earth and the islands
of the sea, and in this, the first Centenary, more than a million of
happy rejoicing Methodists, from ' Greenland's icy mountains to
India's coral strand,' will, beneath its friendly shade, raise the
loud and triumphant song of ' Glory to God in the liighest, peace
on earth, and good-will to men.' It is not my intention to pro-
nounce any panegyric on Mr. Wesley, but rather to glorify the
grace of God in him. We regard him as an eminent instrument^
employed by Divine Providence for the good of mankind. The
history of Methodism, as identified with that of John Wesley, is a
bright page in the mysterious book of Providence. Was it not
providential that he was born when he was, where he was, what
9t) HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
he was ? Was it not providential that he descended from an hon-
orable and pious ancestry ; tliat lie was tlie happy son of so excel-
lent and talented a motlior? * * I thanlv God, Sir, that John
Wesley was a colle<^e student; that he sharpened his wits on the
Oxford grindstone ; that in tlie great o iiporiuni of British erudi-
tion, he forged and polished those weapons of intellectual warfare
by which, in future, he was able to reason with the lofty prejudices
of the prelate, or detect the sophistries of the skeptic. Mr. Wes-
ley was one of the most successful preuchers, and one of the most
industrious writers and extensive publishers of his day. He wrote,
not for fame or for money, but for the illumination and elevation of
the mass of the people. He could appear to advantage in a two-
penny pamphlet, or in a royal octavo. From his little tract on
'Primitive Physic,' to his 'Christian Library,' in fifty volumes, we
see the versatility of his taste, the comprehension of his views,
the energ}'- of his application. * * Well, Sir, it was in the com-
mencement of the eighteentli century that a handful of Oxford
students came to the conclusion that if the Bible were ti ue, real
Christianity was a very different thing from the popular religion of
the day. To promote the one grand object, they laid down rules
for reading the Scriptures, conversation, prayer, meditation, fasting,
and visiting the sick. Their precision attracted the attention of a
wag of a student, who facetiously remarked one day, ' A new sect
of Methodists has arisen among us,' and from this satirical remark,
a by-word, a nick-name, arose this famous cognomen, 'Methodist;'
But what's in a name ? 'A rose would smell as sweet with any
other name.' * * Full of strong moral convictions, and honest zeal,
and good intentions, behold our young Churchman embarking for
Georgia, to convert the North American Indians, and before half
way across the xltlantic, discovering, through the aid of a few
pious German Moravians, to his consternation, that he was uncon-
verted himself I Finally, behold him led on by Peter Bohler, the
Moravian, his spiritual father, from one step to another, until
finally, he says, while at a meeting in Aldersgate Street, London,
as one was reading Luther's preface to the Galatians, ' I felt my
heart strangely warmed.' That, Sir, was Methodism. Then was
the kindling of a fire, which, I trust, will glow and run, until
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 97
' Heaven's last thunder shakes the world below.' And in all his
subsequent history, in his expulsion from the Established Church,
in his out-door and field preaching, in the origin of class-meetings,
tlie employment of lay preaciiers, the settlement of the Poll-
Deed,' securing the chapels forever to the itinerancy of Method-
ism, thus perpetuating the system, binding it equally upon preach-
ers and people, we see not the wisdom and policy of man, but tlio
wisdom and power of God.
" But what is Methodism ? To this of c-repeated question, and
to the many explanations which have been offered, permit us to
give a definition of our own. And first, we would answer the
question negatively by remarking, Methodism, so called^ is not a sect.
Tlie announcement of Mr. Wesley at the outset of his career was anti-
sectarian^ and has been fulfilled to the very letter. ' The world is my
parish.^ Mr. Wesley efoer disowned all idea of forming a mere sect.
He intended that Methodism should be a nucleus to radiate light
and heat throughout all the churches. Then it was no uncommon
circumstance for persons to be in communion u ith the Established
Church, or of the Dissenting denominations, and yet meet in class
among the Methodists. Thus Mr. Wesley lived and died a mem-
ber of the Church of England, nor have the Wesleyan Methodists
ever formally withdrawn from the Establishment. Our pulpits
and altars are anti-sectarian, admitting all evangelical ministers to
the former, and members of other churches to the latter, setting
forth on this subject an example of Christian liberality which it
would be well for some churches to imitate who charge us continu-
ally with sectarianism.
" But Methodism is not a form. It has waived controversy about
forms, but contended manfully for the power of Godliness. Mr.
Wesley was no ways scrupulous ; he could preach at St. Paul's, or
St. Bartholomew's Fair; in a mahogany pulpit, or on a horse-
block ; under a tree, or upon a mountain. And his sons are like
him. They can preach in a surplice, or in their shirt-sleeves; in
pewed or free churches ; with notes or without. * *
" Methodism is not an opinion. It demands no previous test of
opinions, but one only condition, * A desire to fiee from the wrath
to come, and to be saved from their sins.' The magnanimous lan-
5
98 niSTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
guage of Mr. Wesloy was, ' Away with opinions : if thy heart is as
my heart, give me thy liand.'
" What, then, is Methodism ? And we answer, Methodism is a
spirit. It is the spirit of Bible truth and Christian charity intro-
duced and defined in the mind, the heart, the character, the habits,
the labors of that remarkable man, John Wesley, and, from him,
expanded to upward of a million other minds and hearts, making
upon them the imprint of his sentiments and doctrines, the light
of his example, the impulse of his zea). Aud what is this spirit?
We answer, ' Now the Lord is that spirit, and where the spirit of
the Lord is there is liberty/ That, Sir, is Methodism. What is
Methodism ? Methodism^ Sir, is a revival of primiiive New Testa-
ment religion, such as gloioed in the bosoms, and was seen the lives of
the Apostles and Martyrs. It is a revival of the vital, fundamental
doctrines of the Christian faith. It is a revival of original Neiv Testa-
merit organization, parlicalarly in restoring the itinerancy and hrothtr-
hood of the ministry, and the right administration of church discipline.
It is a revival of the social spirit, the free and ancient manner of social
worship. It is, above all, a revival of the Missionary Spirit, which,
not content with a merely defensive warfare upon Zion^s walls, goes
forth aggressively, under the eternal promise, to the conquest of the
world.
"Sir, I can never think of the great revival of religion which took
place within the Chxirch of England one hundred years ago, with-
out having before me the image of some ancient cathedral^- with its
lofty aisles and vaulted roof ; and in the very centre of the marble-
paved floor I see a few shivering, deorepid old people, endeavor-
ing vainly to warm themselves over the flickering embers of an
expiring fire, and while indulging feelings of pity and commisera-
tion, I see a brisk, sprightly little man enter, and, with character-
istic promptitude and zeal, he begins to stir up the fire. That little
man is John Wesley. While he is thus engaged, I see the saintly
Fletcher approach with an armful of fagots, and throw them on
the brightening flame : and, presently, I see approach with eager
steps a portly personage, George Whitefield, and he begins to blow,
and blow mightily, and the fire begins to kindle ; and as the tow-
'ering flame illumines and warms the church, I see Charles Wesley,
HISTORY OF MAIN 8TRKET M. E. CUUROH. 99
the sweet singer of Methodism, take the harp, and as he touches
the strings with more than mortal inspiration, I hoar the joyous
strain:
'"■See how great a flame asi)ires,
Kindled by a si>ark of grace;
Jesus' love the nations fires,
Sets the kingdoms in a blaze.
" ' To bring firo. on earth he came ;
Kindled in some hearts it is;
O that all might catch the flame,
All partake the glorious bUss.'
Methodism repeats the word of command through ail her ranks
first issued by the great Lord and Captain of the ' sacramental
host,' *Ooye into all the world,' and, blessed be God, her sons
obeij and march.
" If then, Sir, this be a true version of Methodism, and I am still
pressed with the question, ' What is the grand characteristic, the
distinctive peculiarity of Methodism?' I would answer, it is to be
found in one single word — Itinerancy. Yes, this, under God, is
the mighty spring of our motive power, the true secret of our im-
paralleled success. Stop the itinerancy, let Congregationalism pre-
vail for only twelve months, Sampson is shorn of his locks, and we
become as other men. Here I would make a central position, here
lay the utmost stress. This is a vital point. In the establishment
of this position, allow me to borrow the light of an illustration. * . *
Referring to 'the vision of Ezekiel's wheels,' you will perceive
there are ' wheels within wheels.' First, there is the great outer
wheel of Episcopacy^ which accomplishes its entire revolution once
in four years. To this there are attached twenty-ciglit smaller
wheels, styled Annual Conferences^ moving around once a year ; to
these are attached one hundred wheels, designated Presiding Elders,
moving twelve hundred other wheels, termed Quarterly Conferences,
every three months ; to these are attached four thousand wlieels^,
styled Traveling Preachers, moving round once a month, and com-
municating motion to thirty thousand wheels, called Class Leaders,
moving round once a week, and who, in turn, being attached to
between seven and eight hundred thousand wheels, called Members,
give a sufficient impulse to whirl them round every day. • i;
100 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. 1". CHURCH.
" Here let uh, then, raise our Ebenezer : here let us build our
centenary monument of gratitude in the sight of Heaven, to be
admired by generations yet unborn. Let its base be Itinerancy ; and
on that broad, deep pedestal, let us inscribe the words of AVesley:
' The best of all is, God is with us.^ Let its columns be education ;
let their architecture be classically chaste ; and on its lofty summit
rekindle the hallowed flame of missionary zeal, which, as a beacon
light, flashing its bright beams across the deep dark sea of tliis
apostate and tempestuous world, may guide many a forlorn wan-
derer safe homo to the land of rest and peace."
Tlie objects for contribution were, parsonage,
missions, preacliers' aid, education, and clmrch
debt; of wliich the first and last were local in cha-
racter. One hundred and fifty dollars and eighty-
two cents were subscribed, the amounts varying
from five cents to twenty dollars."^
The following hymn was preserved amid the
archives, composed by J. Montgomery, Esq., for the
Centenary of Wesleyan Methodism, entitled " A
Hundred Years Ago."
One song of Praise, one voice of Prayer,
Around, above, below ;
Ye winds and waves, the burden bear,
'A Hundred Years ago 1'
' A Hundred Years ago ?' What then ?
There rose, the world to bless,
A little band of faithful men —
-A cloud of witnesses.
"It looked but hke a human hand :
Few welcomed it, none feared ;
Yet, as it opened o'er the land.
The hand of God appeared.
* For names of donors, see Appendix D.
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CFTURCH, 101
" The Lord made bare His holy arm,
In sight of earth and hell ;
Fiends fled before it with alarm,
And alien armies fell.
" One song of Praise for mercies past,
Througli all our courts resound —
Oue voice of Prayer, that, to tlie last,
Grace may much more abound.
'* God gave the word, and gi eat hath been
The preacher's company ;
What wonders have our fathers seen I
What signs their children seel
All hail ' a Hundred Years agol'
And when our lips are dumb.
Bo millions heard rejoicing so, •
A Hundred Years to come 1"
The Centennial of American Methodism was
celebrated by the New London District of the
Providence Conference in this city, September 26,
1866. The following will serve to indicate tlie
general features of the occasion :^
The New London District Centenary Convention met in the
Free Church at 10^ A. M., the lirst service being an old-fashioned
love-feast, held after the pattern of Auld Lang Syne. The church
was crowded to repletion. Ilev. P. T. Kenney, Presiding Elder
for this district, opened the service by reading the 71 1th hymn.
Prayer was offered by Rev. William H. Stetson, of Danielsonville,
and the bread and water wore then distributed.
The Presiding Elder gave some interesting reminiscences
and statistics of early Methodism in this city and in New London
District, after which some fifty or more followed with remarks in
the usual style of a love-feast.
* The writer is greatly indebted to the '-Bulletin," of Norwich,
for the account.
102 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
The singing by the choir of the WilUinantic Churcli, led by
Lieut. Harry Wilson, assisted by the Jordan Family, wits excel-
lent, and most satisfactory to the audience.
The following list of officers wore nominated :
President — Joseph Cummings, D. D., LL. T)., President of the
Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn.
Vice Presidents. — Revs. P. T. Kinney, P. E., Williamantic ; T. M.
Bidwell, Norwich; W. Emerson, West Thompson; H. S. Ramsdell,
Vernon; E. Benton, Rockville ; B. M. Walker, Tolland;* L. D.
Blood, Fisherville ; E. B. Bradford, South Manchester ; J. Mather,
North Manchester; W. J. Robinson, New London; S. S. Cum-
mings, South Coventry; N. Goodrich, Staffordvillo ; L. Pierce,
East Haddam; and Messrs. D. N. Bentley, C. D. Filrnore, N. G.
Lippitt, Norwich; Stephen Hammond, Danielsonville ; Josiah
Morgan, New London ; Otis Perrin, West Woodstock ; J. F.
Brooks, Stafford ; George W. Mallory, Mystic Bridge ; Timothy
Keeney, West Manchester ; Silas White, Rockville ; Ashmun
Pease, Hazardville ; Jonathan Skinner, Eastford ; Tliomas Turner,
WiUimantic; Neheraiah Upham, Norwich; Erastus Standish,
Colchester ; Capt. Nelson Brown, Westerly, R. 1. ; John Mitchell,
Norwich.
Secretaries. — Rev. E. F. Clark, Norwich ; Rev. William T. Worth,
Stafford Springs.
Cmnmittee on Besolutions. — Revs. H. W. Conant, Uncasville ; G.
W. Brewster, WiUimantic ; W. II. Stetson, Danielsonville^
AFTERNOON.
The Convention met at the East Main Street Church at 2 p. m.
Rev. Dr. Cummings in the chair. The house was crowded.
The followhig original hymn, by Rev. George Lansing Taylor
was sung by the choir :
" Great God of Israel I lo ! to thee
Adoring millions bow the knee,
And bless, with rapturous shouts and tears,
Thy goodness through a hundred years.
" Since first our sires this New World trod,
What wonders hast thou wrought, O God!
HISTORY OP MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 103
A nation vast, from sea to sea,
A church whoso myriads worship tlioe.
" God of Elijah, flash thy fire
Kesponsive, while our prayers aspire,
Till hearts and holocausts shall flame
A sacrifice to Jesus' name.
" Pour forth thy spirit from on high I
Convert, ilhimiiie, sanctify!
Till millions more, with Israel's host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost I''
Prayer was then offered by Rev. D. H. Ela, of Providence, R. 1.
Rev. Edgar F. Clark, of the Sachem Street Church, delivered the
address of welcome in behalf of the denomination in Norwich. In
welcoming the Convention to the Rose of New England," as he
termed it, ho said ;
" Brothers, and Friends op the Contention :
"In behalf of Methodism in Norwich, I extend to you a hearty
welcome. The amenities and hospitalities of our city arc as gen-
erously tendered, as, we are confident, they will be felicitously
enjoyed. Welcome to our city, — we are glad for your sakes it is
beautiful. Welcome to our homes, — ready hands will throw open
the doors. Welcome to our Imlls and churches, — if they are too
limited, we are consoled in the trust that the hall is not the mea-
sure of the heart.
How opportune is the hour in which vve have gathered. Meth-
odism, as a system, is no longer an experiment. She is now a
century-plant, whose healing fragrance is wafted to a thousand
climes. Prejudice against her resides only in the bosom of igno-
rance and bigotry. Opposition, of the most inimical character, has
been converted into general fiivor. The arm that was lifted with
harmful missiles^ is now upheld in benedictions. on the cause. The
mob lias become the devout audience, and the pen of calumny is
now employed in atoning for the past. Modern theology has paid
tribute to many of her tenets, while philosophy evinces a pleasing
recognition. The elm and the school-house are supplanted by
stately temples whose spires aro yearly mounting higher and
104 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
liigher. Poverty, though welcomed, sits not alone in the sanc-
tuary, while literature finds better than royal repose in her arms.
" It is well for us to pause a moment on the field, and, while the
angels of hope wipe away the sweat of battle, [)ay our resi>ects to
our foremost but fallen ranks, who, by their saeriiices and labors,
have pioneered the way to present victory. It is full time that the
shades of the faithful dead were committed to their merited
sepulchre, and a requiem as broad as the nation, chronicles the
mortahty of the church. The man who can forget his mother is
fit to betray his country, or murder his frieud. Moreover, in the
urns of the past will be found many a thing of value.
In no spirit of invidious glorification are we assembled for our
Centenary. We are met to bless the God of all the churches, and
to lay up in the repository of a common Christianity our time-
honored banners. Before we meet again for Centenary reminis-
cence, we trust the soldier of Christ will be a unity, and the whole
earth be filled with millennial glory.
" And while we linger in the churchyard, our thoughts and time
will not be only consumed in the retrospective. On thd marble
are fingers pointing upward and onward. Higher than the shout
of victory from the past is the battle-cry, 'Forward! March.'
Pausing to catch the benedictions of the bygone, and read the
inscriptions on stony flags, under which the dead are filing
into a joyful eternity, let us gird on our armor anew, until we too,
after having lived in the service and bliss of churchhood on. earth,,
shall join the Centenary bands who have passed on so gloriously
before us."
Rev. Dr. Cummings was then introduced. He said, in com-
mencing:
*' Fitting is it that the church should select this year ar, a festival
occasion. We rejoice that this year of remembrance and rejoicing
comes to us under circumstances so favorable. It is a year of
Peace. Had it occurred earher, during tlie dark and bloody years
of war, under how difi'erent circumstances would we have
met I The sad events, also, which would have affected us
had it been held soon after, have been tempered by time.
How close is the history of this chiu'ch to that of the country.
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. OHUROH. 105
Older than the nation is our churcli. It has ever been closely
connected with all that conduced to the nation's prosperity. It
has grown with its growth, and strengthened wiih its strength.
This church was the tirst to congratuhate Washington on his
inauguration, the first to put a formal recognition of the govern-
ment into its articles of faith. It was declared by this church in
the troublous times, when the question was agitated, that the
United States was a sovereign nation."
The speaker then went on to argue that this church was espe-
cially adapted to this nation's peculiar circumstances and growth,
the system best adapted to the principle of self-government. lie
then described its formation and organization into circuits, districts,
and conferences. This system of church organization, he argued,
could not be bettered for a new country and scattered population.
To it we owe our success.
" A second point of tlie adaptation of the churcli to the nation is
the unitij of th© church. All who are admitted to the church are
members and recognized members everywhere. The natural
result of this one church has been to prevent sectionalism, and it
was rightly considered one of the greatest blows to the nation
when the Methodist Chnrch was divided, for which rebel plotters
had toiled as one of their most important ends.
^*The church by its principle of unity tended to produce the feel-
ing of equality. In our church the principle of unity most effectu-
ally repels tiiat utterly abominable feeling^ — offensive to God — the
feeUng of caste. The organization of our church is best calculated
to drown this feeling — repugnant to a republican government.
" Closely connected with the unity of this church is its liberality,
its unsectarian charit3^ The only condition of admission is solely
a desire to flee from the wrath to come. It is a cheering sign to
us, that at this age there is less disposition to discuss the abstract
doctrines over which thinkers have puzzled, and which Milton,
I know not on what authority, represented the fallen angels as
discussing.
"The great principles first enumerated in this church are those
you most often hear set forth in the pulpits of the day. With our
church, unlike others, the doctrines are unchanged. The princi-
5*
106 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
pies set forth by our pioneers in the wilderness are our principles
to-day. And if there is more agreement with other churches to*
day, it is not the Methodist Church that has changed — the others
have come to it.
" One more point — the adaptation of our church to a people like
ours, because of the interest this church has always taken in the
education of its youth. Methodism has been incorrectly reported
as opposed to education. It had its origin in the most aristocratic
college in the world. Instead of being opposed to educational
institutions, the church has of late years been disposed to organize
too many new ones. Now it seems wisely to have resolved to
place its present institutions on a sound footing before planning
new ones." The speaker then cited the history of Wesleyan Uni-
versity as an evidence of the interest manifested by the cluirch in
education. At the same time he gave his hearers a gentle reminder
that unless this University was sustained, and endowed by them
sufficiently to offer the same advantages as any other college, the
youth would not be sent there, and thus we lose the reUgious con-
trol over them. . The good done by the University and the char-
acter of its graduates were cited to strengthen the appeal which he
made at this time, as the University was one of the o))jects of tlie
Centennial contributions — the sum of $250,000 being asked for.
Another hymn was then sung by the choir.
An address was then delivered by Rev. Dr. Erastus Wentworth,
of Troy, N. Y., late missionary to China, and a former resident of
this city — a native of Stonington.
Dr. Wentworth announced his topic as, " The relation of Metho-
dism to Missions." As Christianity was a mission, and Christ a
missionary, so Methodism would not be Christianity if it was not. a
mission. The first missionary ever sent out by the firf-t Protestant
missionary society was John Wesley — sent to this country in 1735.
The second missionary society in England, in 1194, was the Bap-
tists. The London missionary society came the next year.
" Christianity and commerce go hand in hand — so our first ques-
tion is, has Christianity kept up with the advance of commerce ?
I answer, no ; but this topic I have not time to discuss to-day.
The second question is, has the Methodist Church done its full
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. OSURCH. 107
share of the missionary work of the world ? This is the point I
propose to discuss. Our cljurch started in mission labor, on an
average, at about the same time as other missions. Our compara-
Hue ico7'k is what wo are to consider — what we have done in com-
parison with other denominations. By the last missionary report
(18G4), I find that we have raised one-eleventh of all tlio funds
contributed for forty-eight missionary societies there reported. And
we have raised one-third of what was raised for sixteen societies
in the United States. This year we purpose to raise $1,000,000,
which will be one-fifth of the whole amount raised by the whole
world for missionary labor."
The speaker then alluded briefly to the way in which laborers
volunteered in this work, and to the work in the West.
" Now, then, we have spoken of the past, what shall we say of
the future? In the first place, we ofier a great stimulus by pro-
mising to raise a million dollars this year — it will inspire other
denominations to do likewise. But while the world is doing busi-
ness on the wholesale, Christianity is still kept in the small retail
grocery way. We make a great ado about raising a million dollars.
Why, there are three men in New York worth $10,000,000 each.
The effect of our itinerant system has also been carried into
other churches. You don't see instances now like that of the
church up-tovvn, where Dr. Lord and Dr. Strong were the pastors
for one liundred years. They cliange now nearly as often as
we do.
''Another thing we want is a magnificent M^jthodist denomina-
tional Mission-house in New York. We .want it because moral
enterprise will revolve about material centres.
"Finally, our record as a missionary society is one of which we
need not be ashamed. The names of scores of noble workers in
this, as in other denominations, are immortal. Africa and China
boast a list of historic missionary martyrs. The dying words of
Dudley Tyng, 'Stand up for Jesus I' which have been immortalized,
have ft parallel in the words of that young Methodist, Martin,
dying at Foochau of Cholera last year. When a friend approached
his bedside and said, ' What word shall I send home for you V
'Tell Ihem,* snid the dying man, 'it pays to bo a Christian.'
108 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
Words worthy to be emblazoned over your Young Men's Institutes
and all your schools of learning. Yes. it pays to be a Christian ;
the interest is richer than that of your five-twenties and seven-
thirties.
Months ago I held the skull of Philip Embury, when it was
about to be removed to another cemetery, and I reflected on the
work he had done. What growth from a small beginning. The
great hindrance to our work is caste. It was Avith difficulty that
the caste feeling was rooted out of the Apostles themselves. ' I
wish we had Paul here to-day, to send him all over the country to
preach the doctrines that he preached on Mars Hill. Remember,
when we are afraid of the 'dirty Irish,' or ' greasy negroes,' what
God said to Peter in a vision : * What God has cleansed, call not
thou common.' But the spirit of caste is dying out, thank God 1
When St. John saw the vision, and prided himself on the number
of Jews sealed, then he eaw a great multitude that no man can
number, more than tlie Episcopalians ever ordained ; than the
Baptists ever put under water ; than the Methodists ever saved by
shouting and singing. But, in conclusion, let us remember that we
are all missionaries, and wherever we may lay our bones, may we
all meet in heaven around the throne of the Lamb, praising Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost."
The closing part of Dr. Wentworth's address was very impas-
sioned, and completely carried away his audience.
EVENING.
Tlie Convention, at 5 o'clock, adjourned from the East Main
Street Church to Breed Hall. The exercises were then opened
with singing another original hymn, entitled "A Hundred Years to
Come," by the Willimantic Choir, the praise of whose rendering
was on every tongue. It is not too much to say, perhaps, of this
really fine choir of singers, that they have few equals in the
State, in their special department of Church music, and as a Glee
Club," also, have won the encomiums of many an admiring audi-
ence in other places.
Divine thanks were returned by Rev. P. T. Kenny, the popular
Presiding Elder of the District, after which a most bountiful colla-
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 109,
tion followed, which seemed at least to put the audience in the
best of humor, and happy condition to enjoy the rich and varied
intellectual repast served up under the direction of President Cum-
mings, whoso urbanity as a presiding officer was beyond all com-
ment.
At the close of the collation, and before the intellectual part,
the remaining cake was sold at auction by Mr. P. B. Green, the
last loaf of which, sold to John Mitchell, Esq., of this city, for $33.*
Another song; prayer by Rev. G. W. Brewster, of AVillimantic,
and the ball was opened by the introduction of the following reso-
lutions :
Resolved, first. That we recognize the hand of Almighty Grod
in the inception, organization, and growth of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church in the United States.
Resolved^ secondly, Wo cherish tlie memory of the 'fathers
and mothers ' of Methodism, who have toiled early and late in the
cultivation of this field, sowing beside all waters, literally ' going
forth weeping, bearing precious seed,' hoping against hope, amid
persecutions and trials, but laying the foundation of our Zion upon
the broad platform of a free, present, and full salvation ; and as we
are now entered into their labors, we will strive to emulate their
glorious examples of fidelity and faith.
" Resolved, thirdly, That in celebrating the first centennial of
tlie church of our choice, we extend the fraternal hand to all
bodies of evangelical Christians.
" Resolved, fourthly. That in view of the exceeding great mer-
cies of the past, we earnestly beseech the ministry and members
of our church to renewedly consecrate themselves to the service
of God ; and, in gratitude for his many benefactions, to make a
special Thanksgiving, in accordance with the recommendation of
the authorities of the church.
Resolved, fifthly, That while we recognize the Sunday-school
as one of the agencies for scriptural instruction, the time has fully
come whpn it should be considered and used as a divinely com-
missioned agency for the immediate conversion of the children of
Christ.
* This k)af was furnisbed by Frank Grant, Esq., of Soiitli Windsor.
110 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
Resolved^ sixthly^ That while we believe the Methodist Church
is doing its full share of tjie great missionary work of the nine-
teenth century, it behooves us to keep up the missionary spirit that
has characterized our efforts from the beginning, and to labor on
until every obstacle is overcome, and we realize the glorious vision
of our present faith, a world converted and saved in heaven.
Besolved, seveiithly^ Tliat whilst wo harmonize in our feelings
with all the objects presented for our benefactions by the General
Conference, we recommend to the Church in New London District,
for especial consideration in their Centenary benefactions, the
Biblical Institute to be located near Boston, the Wesleyan Univer-
sity, the Mission House at New York, and the Providence Confer-
ence Seminary.
Resolved, eighthly^ That the thanks of this Convention are
hereby tendered to the speakers, the choir, the citizens of Nor-
wich, and all others who have contributed for our entertainment."
The President now introduced Rev. D. U. Ela, of Providence,
who excused himself for want of preparation, being called upon
quite unexpectedly to hll the place of another, who failed, through
domestic affliction, to meet his engagement here. His address,
though not lengthy, was well received. He spoke briefly of the
secret sources of Methodistic success, attributing it mostly to the
doctrine of a conscious salvation and communion with God, closing
with a fitting reference to other churches who inscribe the same
doctrine upon their banners, and unite in the same glorious expe^
rionce.
Another song was sung by the choir, and Rev. Dr. Wise, of New
York, editor of Sunday-school books and papers, made a represen-
tation of the Sunday-school work of the church. He began by
saying that Methodism had always loved the children. It was
natural she should do so. She early learned this from the example
of her founder, John Wesley, who was passionately fond of the
children. A touching incident illustrating this love of Wesley was
related, and another concerning Bishop Asbury, of this country,
who, tliough a bachelor, took great delight in teaching and instruct-
ing the little ones wherever ho went, lie affirmed that the idea
of Sunday-schools originated in the mind and heart of a Methodist
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. Ill
woman, to whom Robert Raikes refers, and admits his indebted-
ness for liis first conception of tliis glorious idea, and by whose
advice he opened his first school among the poor children of the
village wliere he dwelt, in the year 1781. For a few years this
scliool was luiknown and unnoticed beyond the circle of Ins own
village, but in 1785 Mr. Wesley incorporated it into the require-
ments of liis societies, and recoumi.nded its general adoption.
Thus Methodism claims the honor of introducing this institution
to the church, and making it a nursery of piety and revival, Mr.
Wesley declaring that this was one of the best institutions given
to the Church for centuries. The idea of gratuitous instruction
also was originated and introduced by the venerable founder of
Methodism, in the year 178G. In America the same great fact
may be noted, viz. : that the Sunday-school owes its organization
and introduction to American Methodism, BLsllbp Asbury starting
a school in 1786, in tlie house of Thomas Renshaw, in Virginia, in
which a boy was converted, and some time after became a travel-
ing preacher in the Methodist connection. Many other facts were
related, all going to prove the same claim, but which time and
space fail to afford room for a full report. Interesting statistics
were presented, showing that nearly a million of children wero
now in the Sunday-schools of the M. E. Church, and a literature
unrivaled in its variety, adapted to the use of these schools — th^
reading-books alone amounting to over 2,000 volumes.
Letters were received from Bishop Simpson, ex-Secretary Harlan,
and ex-Governor Buckingham, the last being read to the Conven-
tion, and receiving the most hearty applause.
Gov. TIawley was next introduced. He commenced by returning
thanks to the committee for the invitation extended him, and
remarked that he owed a debt of gratitude to this church, being
educated partly at one of her seminaries, and having a beloved
sister a member of its comnuuiion. He paid a glowins^ tribute to
the efficient organization of the M. E. Church, claiming that the
peculiarities of her itinerant system ar.d unity of organizati6n are
the chief elements of her power and success. He expressed tl e
hope that the itinerancy would never be abandoned, for through
this agency tlio poor have the Gospel preached to tliem. A< a
112 HISTORY OF M Am STREET M. E. CHURCH.
conscientious politician, he expressed a desire to see the churches
of all denominations alive to the work and responsibilities of the
times.
He said that no constitutional amendments, no political plat-
forms, could save a country, but we must put school-houses and
churches all over the South, and reconstruct society with the
truths of the Gospel. His address was most heartily received, and
frequently interrupted with loud bursts of applause.
At the close of his speech, Rev. James D. Weeks, of this city,
presented a beautiful bouquet to the Governor, with the follovving
words :
** You7' Excellency : In the darkest hour of our country's history,
when the clouds hung heavy over our pathway, and the battle
went against us, it rejoiced ' s to hear that one man stood firm, and
one body of men flmched not, but remembered the flag. In behalf
of these Methodists of New London District, these generals and
privates of this army, these soldiers of the Cross, I have the
honor to present you, the first soldier of Connecticut, with this
bouquet."
The Governor fittingly responded — making a very compliment-
ary allusion to the soldier boys from Wesleyan University, whose
record is as bright as the brightest on the page of our country's
history.
Another song.
Gen. Ferry was now introduced, whose address was beyond all.
praise. He expressed it a privilege to be here, though he had
been invited to attend a Convention in another State. He greeted
Methodism as a branch of the church militant, and rejoiced to give
glory to God rather than honor to man. Though he differed from
Methodism in theological sentiments, accepting for himself Calvin-
ism with the same heartiness with which these accept Arminian-
ism, what of all that, if we all acknowledge one Christ ? He paid
a glowing tribute to the Wesleys, to whom England owed much of
her triumph over formalism and heathenism, and New England
was indebted for her religious standing and present power and
influence. Methodism gave the Gospel to the poor — handed it
out to the masses, and this was her glory and her renown.
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 113
He offered a few fitly chosen remarks concerning the missionary
work of the cliurchcs. Our faith is too cold concerning the twelve
hundred millions of benighted Vieathens. but we need not despair.
With three hundred and fifty miUions of Christians the conversion
of the world is not so distant a matter to our faith as it was to
Peter and his handful of associates at the day of Pentecost. He
remarked that it was the peculiar pride of Methodism that it is a
missionary church. He urged them to reject all humanitarianism
and every thing which overlooks tlie pure principles of the Gospel
and to go forward in spreading the truth over all lands.
No report can do justice to the very eloquent addresses of Gov.
Hawley and Gen. Ferry. They were repeatedly applauded, and
in several instances the enthusiasm of the audience was almost
unbounded.
Rev. E. J. Haynes now came forward and presented another
bouquet to Gen. Ferry, with appropriate remarks.
Gen. Ferry's response was at on^^e touching and beautiful. He
closed by asking the prayers of the audience in his new and
responsible position as a public servant in the council-halls of the
nation.
A few remarks from the President, and another song by the
choir, and the Convention closed. In every respect it has been a
complete sticcess — far exceeding the most sanguine expectations of
its originators and supporters.
Among the deceased members Mr. Jesse Fuller
holds early and eminent rank. At his residence
the clmrch was first planned, and, in connection
with Rev. David N. Bentley, he purchased the
present site, and appears to have manifested the
deepest interest in the prosperity of this society.
In all tinancial, practical, and spiritual matters, he
was an enviable representative of that small minor-
ity, observable in many Christian churches, who
114 HISTORY OF MAESr STREET M. E. CHURCH.
carry not only the responsihilHies of religion, but,
in addition, present and prosjyective immunities.
Among tlie first trustees was Mr. Jolin Perkins,
long the secretary of that board, and one of the
most honored and consistent Christians of Norwich.
Eev. John Howson, pastor, preached his funeral
sermon March 4, 1849, on Matt. xxv. 23 : ^^ His
Lord said nnto him, W ell done good and faithful
servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things,
I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter
thou into the joy of thy Lord." Among many mer-
ited references to his character, he says:
"He was a descendant of one of the first proprietors of that por-
tion of the town of Norwich now known as Lisbon, and was con-
nected with many of our most respectable and influential citizens.
His father was Simeon Perkins, who was born and spent his youth
and early manhood in this town. In the year 1760 some business
led him to the then sister colony of Nova Scotia. lie was induced
to remain there, and made it liis permanent home until his death in
1812, sustaining during his whole life a reputation for intelligence,
integrity, and piety, the savor of wliich still exists in that land of
his adoption. Our deceased brother was born in that province in
the year 1778, and when of sufficient age was sent to this town to
school.
"In the year 1807, under the preaching of the Rev. William
Sutcliffe, an eminent and successful minister of Jesus Christ, and
Weslyan missionary in the town of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, he was
brought to the knowledge of himself as a sinner, and of Christ as a
Saviour. His wife was made at the same time a sharer of divine
grace, and they both immediately consecrated themselves to God
and his service. They united themselves with the Methodist
Church, and have maintained an irreproachable Christian character
to the present time. In the year 1819 he removed to the United
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 115
States, whither his only child, Josluia Newton Perkins, Esq., a gen-
tleman long and highly respected in this community, liad preceded
him. He resided for a number of years in Ithaca, in the State of
New York, where his name is still as ointment poured forth. In
the year 1833 he remov^ed to this place, which, as the birthplace
of his ancestors and the scene of many of his most pleasant days,
was ever to him a delightful abode; and you yourselves are his
witnesses how he has gone in and out among you, fulfilling all his
duties as a Christian and a citizen with zeal and fidelity. For the
past fifteen years you have been the judges of his deportment, and
I ask, is there one here who can asperse his fair fame ?
He sought not his own, but the things of Christ, and so greatly
was this manifest that he carried it into all his deportment. He
seemed to act in all things in reference to the law of Christ. One
of his late associates in the bank, a gentleman and a Christian, said
to me a few days since : ' We knoio Mr. Perkins was a good man —
wo not only saw it, but wo felt it ; and often has his ever correct
deportment been a reproof to our more thoughtless conduct;' and
his brethren in the church well know how careful he was in all
things, lest he should oft'end against the law of Christ.
Another trial of character which we noticed in the good and
faithful servant was his condancy. Hero our brother was not de-
ficient. Forty-two long years witnessed his devoted attachment to
God and his Church. His light was clear and steady, bright and
shining. Amid all the changes which pass over the church — the
defection of some, the waywardness and the coldness of others,
which bring a mildew upon the things of Zion — our brother was
faithful to his trust. He was a man who could be leaned upon.
He was a pillar in the house of our God.
''Another trait is unwearied diligence. We claim this for our
brother also. Who that ever knew him but can testify to his un-
wearied diligence ? AVhat is the testimony of those associated with
him in his daily business ? One who had been with him for fifteen
years said to nve: 'I never knew him to spend a single half hour
unemployed.' Ask his family. They will tell you that he was
never, no not for a minute, idle. Ask the church, of which he was
so long a faithful member. Let the ten offices which he held, and
I
1 16 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
always so ably and satisfactorily filled, answer for his untiring dili-
gence. He was diligent in all the means of grace. The preaching
of the word, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, were his delight.
No trifling matter detained him from the house of the Lord ; he
loved its courts and highly valued a day spent in the sanctuary,
lie was constant in the social means of grace ; whoever was absent,
he was present. His class-meetings he loved, and as a class-leader,
he was faithful, diligent, and beloved.
'* There remains but one other trait of character to consider,
which is the spirit or manner in wiiich this service is rendered,
namely, that of affection and love. In this particular our brother
had few equals. By nature he was amiable aud lovely, and these
qualities, purilied by divine grace, shone forth in him in all their
beauty and excellence. He was no niggard in the service of his
Master ; lie served and he loved to serve. It was more than his meat
and his drink to do the will of God ; he preferred it as his chief
good. In all his associations the same spirit of love, the same law
of kindness were ever present; none were exempt from its holy
and heavenly influence. His aftection for the Church was pure and
heavenly. He rejoiced in her prosperity and wept over her adver-
sity, and in all things was the same kind, constant, and aflectionate
friend. He loved her ministers. Ho was always ready to counsel
and to assist them, by his prayers, his influence, and his property.
" To the poor of the Church he was a constant friend. They
experienced his kind attentions, and were aided by his bouivty, and
he is embalmed in their memories.
" He was a lover of the Sabbatii-scliool. He bore a share in its
labors, and with that meekness of spirit so characteristic of the
man, he was ever ready to serve it in any capacity. His name will
long be cherished by the rising generation. One little incident
which I will relate illustrates the manner in which he gained the
aff'cctions of all iiround him. After the afflicting tidings of his
decease had spread through the city, many wished to see the re-
mains of one so dearly beloved. Among the number was a little
girl, about fourteen years of age. She looked upon his face and
wept. A member of the family, observing how much she was
affected, inquired of her if she was one of his Sabbath-school
I
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 117
scholars. *No,' said slie, ' I did not go to his church, but whenever
he met me in the street he always bowed and spoke to me.' "
Mr. John Barnes succeeded Mr. Perkins as secre-
tary of the trustees, Marcli 23, 1849, Mr. Hiram
Crosby being appointed to fill the numerical vacancy
in the Board, April 10 of the same year. He was
beloved and respected for his cheerful and winning
deportment, his liberality and interest in the sup-
port of the Gospel, and the even tenor of his piety.
In parental, conjugal, and ecclesiastical relations, he
was deeply cherislied, and his name is honorably
associated with the history of the Society for twenty
years. His funeral was attended from the Main
Street M. E. Church, November 20, 1802, where
the deep sorrow and sympathy of the Christian and
citizen testified their palpable loss and esteem.
Several others, whose memory and life alone
abide us, will be found in the notices taken from
the record by Eev. David N. Bentley, and yet we
are painf ully conscious that tlie imperfect archives
of the respective churches have suttered but a lim-
ited reference to those mentioned, while others,
whose virtues were equally memorable, will sleep
as sweetly, yet unchronicled save in the just history
of heaven. There the least of the saved "shall
reign with Christ," and the young heirs of glory
shall not merely surround^ hut j)^^^ vntliin the
Throne,
/The present Board of Stewards is composed of
I
ill
118 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
Messrs. George E. Bentley, Nathan Standish,
Joshua E. Fellows, Henry A. Adams, David
Toomey, Hiram Crosby, George E. Leffingwell,
and David Pendleton. Among those who have
shared the laurels, as well as duties, of class leader-
ship, are Messrs. Nathan Standish. greatly esteemed
in this relation ; James Jennings, so long and favor-
ably known as tlie leader of the " Preston Class ; "
David Pendleton, Joshua A. Fellows, and Henry A.
Adams, whose fidelity to this profiting means of grace
either as members or leaders, merits especial men-
tion. The leaders of this Society, in general, have
been signal for their ability in this department, and
the list of their names in Appendix D, will recall the
unusual talent which has marked the past. The name
of Mr. John Kendall is fraught with gratitude to
the lovers of system in the practical matters of a
church, and would it be unjust to say that Zion was
\\\^ adopted child of Mr. David Toomey? Mr.
Zadoc C. Crowell has been really an encyclopedia
of the Sunday-school, with little interruption, for
many years, and his fidelity and success in tliis
field are widely and justly distinguished. Among
those who have supplemented the strength of the
Church, are Messrs. Samuel Carter, a noble ex-
ample of unostentatious liberality ; Samuel A.
Davis, and George E. Leffingwell, whose interest,
tliougli recent, has been highly creditable; William
B. Palmer and Charles Kingsley, w^hose spiritual
labors have been numerous ; Hiram Crosby, Joel
f
IITBTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. OnUROH. 119
Kinney and Enoch 0. Chapman, who have contri-
buted generously to ecclesiastical maintenance.
The J)iety and sacrifices of many 'others are im-
pressed on the living record of liearts and desti-
nies, and in the great day of awards, even the
widow's mite shall have high reckoning at the
hands of the Judge Eternal.
It is regretful to consider, in how many of the
churches of Christ are to be found examples of
uncommon beneficence, who have never presented
themselves for paj^ment, where the positive bene-
dictions of God and Christians could reach them,
persons who linger in the ''outer court of worship,"
and sadly adumbrate, by tlieir reticence and inac-
tion, tlieir questionable future. This Society has
heen hlessed by excellent specimens of those, wlio,
while doing much for the cause, accept not the
proffered benedictions of the obligated, and whose
unremunerated liberality is doubly to be thanked.
The sisterhood of this Society is eminently influ-
ential. In kindness towards the pastor's family ; in
ability to render a church-sociable attractive ; in
manifest sympathy, during affliction's hour, some
are historical.
The name of Rev. Daniel Dorchester is fresh in
the heart and memories of Norwich. Vernon, Ct.,
was his native town, January 2o, 1Y90. He was
converted at majority, and joined the New England
Conference, on trial, in 181(1, receiving the follow-
ing appointments : 1816, New London Circuit ; 1817,
120 HISTORY OF MAIN STRKKT M. E. CHURCH.
Warwick ; 1818, Athens, Vt ; 1819, Springfield ;
1820, Khode Island ; 1821, Tolland ; 1822, Salem ;
1823, Hebron ; 1824, Hebron and New London ;
1825, Springfield ; 1826, Presiding Elder of Boston
District; 1827, Conference Missionary; 1828-'31,
located at Springfield ; 1831-'32, Franklin, Conn. ;
1833, Presiding Elder of Providence District ; 1834-
'35-'36-'37, Presiding Elder of New LoTidon Dis-
trict ; 1838-'39, Presiding Elder of Springfield Dis-
trict; 1840-'41, superannuated at Norwich; 1842,
supernumerary at Norwich ; 1843, Plainfield ; 1844
-'45, supernumerary at Norwich; 1847, supernu-
merary at Gales' Ferry ; 1847,Willimantic; 1848-'49
Fisherville. Superannuathig the following year, he
held this relation until 1854, when, alter an unusu-
ally successful and honored ministry, his commission
was lost amid death-floods, and his appointment
made sure for heaven.
There all our toils are o'er,
Our suffering and our pain."
He made tliis city his home from June, 1834, to
1852, at which date, his estimable wife was carried
to the Yantic Cemetery. In character, he was affa-
ble, cheerful, highly perceptive ; and as a minister,
lucid, argumentative, and devoted, "pre-eminently
a preacher for the times."
His son, Rev. Daniel Dorchester, Jr., though born
at Duxbury, Mass., March 11, 1827, was converted
in this city at eight years of age under the memora-
ble labors of Eev. AVilliam Livesey, 1835, the same
♦
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 121
period, as epochs the conversion of Revs. Edward
A. Manning, Henry E. Hempstead, and Frank
Bill. Mr. James Jennings was for a long time his
Sunday-school teacher. For several years, he was
under the tuition of ^ Mr. Calvin Tracy, after which
he fitted for college under Rev, J. Augustus.
Adams, and entered the Wesleyan University
in 1843.
He, together with Rev. L. D. Bentley, was recom-
mended to the Quarterly Conference, for " license
to preach," by the Board of East Main Street
Church, December 28, 184(> ; both licensed by the
Quarterly Conference held at Norwich North,
January 2, 1847, and recomiiiended to L'rovidence
Conference at a Quarterly Conference held at
Greenville, March 20th, of that year, Rav. Frank-
lin Gavitt being pastor.
He was successively appointed, by the Providence
Conference, to Somers, East Thompson, South Glas-
tenbury, East Woodstock, Eastford, and Mystic. In
1855, he was electqd to the Connecticut Senate
from the fourteenth Senatorial District, by the
highest vote for senator in the State. At the ex-
piration of the session he was constituted chairman
of a Board of Commissioners on Idiocy, upon whicli
he reported at the next session. After holding a
" superannuated " relation 1856 and 1857, he joined
the New England Conference by "location," where
he has been stationed at Charlestown, Worcester
Third Church, Lowell St. Paul's, Charlestown
122 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
Trinity Church, after which he was appointed Pre-
siding Elder of Worcester District. His character
is nearly too symmetrical for particular reference.
Few will be found whose qualities tit them for so
wide a sphere of usefulness. In the pastorate, or the
senate, pulpit or parlor, his abilities shine with no
equivocal light, and his reputation for statistics
needs no mention. Active, earnest, winning, per-
sistent, prudent, studious, and aftable, Norwich,
as foster-mother, can feel little less than a just
pride for her talented son.
Rev. J. M. W orcester, superannuated from ill
health, has resided in this city the past three years.
He was born in Boston, Mass., June, 1826 ; con-
verted, April, 1842 ; joined Providence Conference,
1849, and was stationed as follows : East Green-
wich, P. I., Taunton, Mass., Scituate, Cochesett,
South Yarmouth, Norwich, Sachem St., Fairhaven,
Mass., Warehouse Point, Ct., South Manchester,
and Mystic Bridge. Jle " superannuated " in 1864,
but has continued ministerial labor, in an occasional
manner, witli much acceptability. His health is
improved, at a time when the demand for ministers
is especially instant.
Rev. Albert F. Park, at present a local preacher
of this city, was a native of Preston, born Dec. 11,
1814. He experienced religion, and joined the M.
E. Church at Wilbraham, Mass., while attending
school in the fall of 1834. Graduating from the
Wesleyan University in 1839, he taught until 1844,
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 123
wlien he entered the Providence Conference, for
seven years. He received his first license as Local
Preacher at the residence of Mr. John Perkins, of
this city, Dec. 16, 1843. After the seven years in
the itinerancy, he was stationed as teacher at New
Haven three years, when he was removed to the
Collegiate Seminary at Charlotteville, N. Y., for
two years, at the end of wliich time he " located,"
and commenced business in Norwich, where he has
labored as a Local Preacher, as opportunity offered.
Mr. Park is possessed of much natural and scholas-
tic ability, highly argumentative powers, and a
clear discrimination and exposition of truth.
The casket of Rev. John F. Blanchard slumbers
in the beautiful " Yantic Cemetery," under a mon-
ument inscribed, " Erected by his brethren of the
Providence Conference," — a sufficient testimonial of
the affection and i*espect in which he was held by
his ministerial co-laborers. His ministry is chron-
icled: 1843, Somers and Windsorville ; '44, East-
ham and Orleans; '45, Orleans; '46, Mansfield;
1847-'48, Falmouth; '49, Lyme; and East Lyme
1850-'51. In August, 1851, he put on immortality
in this city, where kind relatives, with his devoted
wife, laid him gently to rest in God's palanquin,
the coffin, and his rest cannot fail to be sweet, where
angel hands wipe away the dust and sweat of life's
battle, to find moral integrity, unaffected humility,
deep piety, and ministerial fidelity.
Rev. George R. Bentley was bom in North
124 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
Stonington, June 10, 1810. He was trained up by
his parents to lead a moral life. His mother used
to spend hours with him wlien but a lad, and his
inquiring mind elicited much which led him to
think of religion when but a boy of eight or ten
years of age. When at school, a deeply pious lady,
Miss Thankful Ayer, invited him to take part in a
Sabbath-school in a country school-house, and then,
and there, the work of God might have been com-
pleted had it been carried on, for under her pious
instruction he became religiously affected, and, at
that age, gave many an exhortation, and preached
many a sermon, when alone, without ever knowing
or thinking that God would call liim, in after life,
to preach His Gospel. At eighteen, he went away
from home to school, determined to educate himself,
but disease prostrated him and he came near death's
door, being given over by physicians to die. He
now sought God with liis whole heart, and became so
happy in his mind that he could adopt the language
of the Apostle, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
For several years he spent much time in prayer,
but having no religious associates, he afterwards
nearly gave up the idea of leading a religious life.
At last, in or about the year 1835, he heard of a
camp-meeting in Plaintield, and resolved, be the
consequences what they might, he would attend it.
When he first came on to the ground, Tuesday, he
discovered Rev. William Livesey upon the stand, in
the midst of his sermon, representing the old man
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 125
of sin, and liow to put it off'. The next day, Rev.
Tra M. Bid well preached, tliere being not less than
eight or ten who " lost their strength," and were
carried to their tents. On Friday, it rained power-
fully all day, and the meetings were held in the
tents. The power of God came down, and there
was not an unconverted man or woman in Preston
tent that was not inquiring what they should do to
be saved. At this time, Rev, George E. Bentley
made a complete consecration of all to God, and
was admitted to the class on Preston Plain, and
baptized by Rev. Comfort D. Fillmore.
In 1836, Rev. Erastus Benton was appointed to
Griswold Circuit, and Mr. Bentley went to camp-
meeting at Bolton, where he was presented with a
class-paper, and his relation changed to North Ston-
ington, where he continued as leader until April
7, 1839. Being at an evening meeting where
Rev. E. Benton preached, after the congregation
was dismissed, Mr. Benton addressed him: ''Stop
a moment, I wish to see you," and, sittii]g down, he
wrote an Exhorter's License, and gave it to him,
telling him to " use it in the name of the Lord."
January 20, 1838, the Quarterly Meeting Confer-
ence gave him a license to preach, which he used
with success. Stopping in to a neighbor's house the
next autumn, where he had been laboring, it being
evening, two young men came to the house and
sent in a message, saying they desired to see him.
They were introduced, when they confessed that
I
I
126 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
they were sinners, and requested prayer. The
evening was spent in prayer to a late hour, and the
next day he preached to a crowded house, and
meetings were kept up until nearly every uncon-
verted person was brought into the fold of Christ.
The Rev. John Sheffield assisted him in these
labors. It was a day of salvation indeed. Such
was his usefulness, that in a protracted meeting at
Gale's Ferry, where he labored witli Rev. Edmund
G. Standish, in 1838, he decided to give himself to
the work of the ministry, but, having no one to
advise with, he was kept from this resolution. In
1839, he came to Norwich, and worked at his trade,
and in Dec. 15, ISiO, he married Miss Sarah F. Tour-
tellotte, a native of Thompson, Ct., and becoming
settled in life he has never consented to be confined
to any one place as a preacher, but has labored as
opportunity presented, at Norwicli and the sur-
rounding towns. In April, 1866, he was appointed
to Montville, by Rev. P. T. Kenney, Presiding Elder,
as preacher in charge, where he has labored accept-
ably. He has ti av^eled probably over two thousand
miles, at liis own expense, and the only renmnera-
tion ever received was six dollars, and he broke his
carriage on that trip, at an expense of ten dollars
for repairs. . Thus he has labored for the good of
his fellow-men without any reward in this life,
looking for it hereafter. He has been class-leader,
steward, and trustee for a great part of his residence
in Norwich.
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 127
Rey. Ira M. Bid well was born at East Hartford,
Jan. 31, 1803. In early life, he suffered several
narrow escapes from death, being twice rescued
from drowning. At fifteen years of age, he re-
moved to Hartford, where he experienced religion
under the preaching of Rev. J. N, Maftitt, in the
fall of 1819. His convictions were pungent, and,
although at first no stone was left unturned to re-
sist and destroy them, he finally resolved to conse-
crate his heart and life to Christ, and soon found
the evidences of Divine favor. Mrs. Ellis Cook, of
Hartford, afterward remarked to him : I re-
member how you looked: you were laughing. and
crying at the same time." After joining on proba-
tion, and having somewhat abated his activity, he
reconsecrated himself and experienced a greater
blessing than ever before, and in a short time he
was impressed with the duty of preaching. Feeling
deeply the consequent responsibility, and endeavor-
ing' to substitute other duties, and his health be-
coming impaired, he was the subject of a most
remarkable illusion or dream. A man seemed to
stand over him with a drawn sword, who said :
You hnoio your duty and you vnll not do itP
He plead for release from justice, who was instant
on his mission, and, awaking under great feeling,
promised to perform the duty which had become so
palpable to his conscience. The ensuing winter he
resided in Mancliester, Ct. After having been
class-leader and exhorter, lie obtained a Local
128 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
Preacher's license, at a Local Preachers' Confer-
ence, held at Micldlehnry, Feb. 6, 1823. Desiring
to enter the Itinerancy, and being too late to be
recommended to the New York Conference, he at-
tended the New London District Preachers' Con-
ference of East Glastenburj^, April 6, 1824,
where he Avas duly recommended to the New
England Conference, Kev. J. A. Merrill being
Presiding Elder. At the annual session of that
Conference, held at Barnard, June 22d, he was
received on trial, and appointed to Needham Cir-
cuit, which comprised Needham, Natick, Weston,
Waltham, Lincoln, Sudbury, Fraraingham, Marl-
borough, Bolton, Harvard, Leominster, Lunen-
burg, and, in the last part of the year, Lowell.
His colleagues were Revs. Benjamin Ilazelton and
John E. Risley. The circuit was three hundred
miles in circumference, and he received for his
salary, all told, fifty-six dollars and some cents! It
was a year of general prosperity to the circuit.
The next year he was appointed to llardwick
Circuit, Vt., and after tlie early departure of Rev.
Roswell Putnam, he was made the preacher in
charge, with Rev. C. Richardson. An unusual
revival began at Albany during the year, and the
salary was reckoned at eiglity-two dollars, which
was paid in wheat, worth about seventy-five cents
per dollar of the currency, which was exceedingly
limited in circulation.
May 23d, he was married at Hartford, by Rev.
HISTORY OF MAIN STKEET M. E. CHURCH. 129
Tobias Spicer, to Miss Nancy Church, wliose con-
version nearly synchronized with tliat of Mr.
Bidwell. In the Conference of that year he was
made deacon in the ministry, and appointed to
Brooklield Circnit, which he had scarcely reached
before hemorrhage of the hmgs prostrated him,
and he was compelled to return to his home.
At the next Conference he resumed his regular
labors upon the Manchester Circuit of Connecti-
cut, which included Manchester, East Hartford,
Bolton, Coventry, Mansfield, Willimantic, and
Gilead. He subsequently tilled the following ap-
pointments: 182S-'29, Thompson Circuit; 1830,
Bristol, R. I.; 1831-'32, Fall River; 1833-'34,
Webster; 1835, Lowell; 1836, IIolHster; 1837-'38,
Provincetown ; 1839, Wellfleet. At the latter ap-
pointment his health declined, and in the next
Conference he took tlie " suj?e7'annuated " relation
and removed to Willington, Ct., where, with the
exception of a year passed at AVebster, 1813, he
remained until the fall of the next autumn, when
he came to Norwich, living first on School Street.
The spring after he made his home at Greenville,
and, improving in health, he returned to the
Annual Conference of 1852, was raised to the
effective'^^ relation, and stationed at South Truro.
On his way home from the Session, he met with an
accident from the cars being crushed by the fall of
a bridge, and has since retired from the active
ministry, holding the ^'superannuated" relation.
G*
130 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CnURCII.
Returning to Norwich City in 1854, he set up the
^'boot and shoe" trade, with his affable son, Mr.
George E. Bidwell, who has now an extensive
patronage. He has occasionally preached during
his disability, and the Achilles is ever disclosed at
the sound of the war-trumpet. But his remaining
labors will be few and limited on earth, and the
prayer of many shall be that his rest may be long
and sweet in heaven.
His ministrations have been characterized by
unwonted zeal, devotion, laboriousness, spirituality,
sacrifice, efficiency, and success. Possessed of
great firmness, he lias been placed in positions of
trust and danger, and faithful to his early princi-
ples, he is one of the few who survive to relate the
sufferings and successes of Primitive Methodism.
Kev. Ezra Withey was born in Griswokl, Ct.,
June 4, 1808. When about nine years of age he
lirst attended a Methodist meeting, held by Mr.
Shubael Cady, in wliich liis wife, Mrs. Wait Cady,
took a prominent part. It was held at the house
of Mr. David Lawrence, a blacksmith. The occa-
sion was one of deep interest, especially to young
Withey, who had contracted from Madam Rumor
very disparaging views of the Methodists. His
language is
"In their testimonj it seemed they were blessed with angels'
tongues, irjspired with the Holy Spirit. It was like oil poured
forth. 0, how awful and yet glorious was that place 1 I did not
put off my shoes, but ere I was aware I found myself standiug,
I
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 131
lost in wonder, dissolved in love, and transported with their songs
of praise. Mother Cady was the first person I ever saw kneel in
prayer, the first female I ever heard pray, and the first female I
ever heard testify in a religious meeting."
From this time, he appears to date a positive
religious conviction. He prayed in secret, and
was greatly pleased when his niotlier found Christ
under a sermon from Rev. David N. Bentley,
whom he had persuaded her to hear, wlien he was
thirteen years of age. Ilis mind became greatly
disturbed upon the subject of Divine foreordina-
tion. lie says :
" The preaching of these years was much on the doctrine of un-
conditional election and reprobation.
" I thought I had sought sincerely and as honestly as I knew
how, and I dare not think myself a Christian, It may be, I am,
after all, an unconditional reprobate. So I concluded hell must be
my inevitable portion, unless there was some hope I had not dis-
covered.
I often tried to make it seem how it would be to be forever
lost. I often tried to shape my ear to the awful sentence, ' Dej^art,
ye cursed.' I thought I would give millions of worlds if I could
know Christ died for me."
After several unsuccessful attempts to learn , a
trade, he came to Norwich at nineteen, and con-
cluded an agreement with Capt. Erastus Williams.
His religious feelings became gxeatly indurated
during tlie earlier part of his apprenticeship, of
which he has said, I thought, if I must finally be
lost, there was some excuse for my taking such
132 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
pleasure as I could, though I realized it poor at
best."
One Saturday evening, after the business of the day was over,
I retired to an unoccupied room to be alone. After some reflection
on my state — past, present, and future — the following questions
were put to me by the Holy Spirit: What comfort hast thou taken
in all thy life ? I ran over the past in my mind, and concluded I
took more comfort in the prayer-meeting at the blacksmith's than
in all ray life put together. Wilt thou have the pleasures and joys
of the world, or the religion of that prayer-meeting ? I answered,
The religion of that prayer-meeting, if it is for me. Then the
answer came, 'Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you.* I replied, Lord, this
means the elect. Then the remainder of the passage came, 'For
every one that asketh receiveth, and to him that knocketh, it shall
be opened.' Then a ray of light from the Eternal Throne shone
into my heart, which assured me that Christ died for me — even
me. I dropped on my knees, and asked for strength to keep my
resolution to seek until I should find. My soul now became hope-
ful, since I felt convinced I had a promised, crucified, and risen
Saviour. After repeated desires to publicly consecrate myself, oi;o
Sabbath morning, I tliought I would make one more effort, but
before I was five rods from the door, the enemy of all good attacked
me again, telling me I was unconditionally reprobated, and every
thing went to prove it. I came near going back, but thought I
would call on a Christian sister, who knew much of the Bible, and
ask her opinion on these points, which Satan handled so success-
fully in keeping me from God. I found her at breakfast, and imme-
diately began my errand. She stopped eating, and said, ' You are
under conviction.' I felt I was caught, and replied, ' I wish I was
in reality.' However, she fully relieved my mind, in much sim-
plicity."
He describes his conversion, as follows :
"For thirty-four hours this struggle lasted, when I hastened
from ray work to the open air, to pray for the last time, as it
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 133
seemed to me. I told the Lord I had given up all as far as I knew,
and could appeal to him as to my honesty and sincerity ; asked
him to show me if there was any thing more. In a moment these
words were brought with great power to my mind :
' But drops of grief can ne'er repay
The debt of love I owe ;
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
'Tis all that I can do/
Now I saw how I had missed it, and in one moment laid poor
ignorant, blind, sinful self, in addition to all other sacrifices, on the
altar, and in that moment peace was spoken to my poor strugghng.
doubting soul, such peace I never knew before, and never can for-
get, even should I prove a castaway. Now, just now, such love
flowed in as quite overwhelmed me."
'* I felt, in my first inquiry, what shall I do for him who has
done so much for me? The reply came in power, 'Go, tell thy
friends how great things the Lord hath done for thee.' Obedience
was my watcliword, and my simple story was told to many.
Fifteen of my old mates immediately sought and found the Lord,
and we had some blessed times. Capt. Erastus AVillijims, in whose
business I was employed, and at whose house I boarded, very
kindly oflercd his large dining-room for meetings. Likewise the
Widow Billings and the Widow Backus.'
He soon joined the Class of Norwich North, in
a meeting held , at Captain Lamb's residence, and
his pen again must record the experience of a
higher Christian life :
" Nothing but a clean heart would do for me. Brother William
P. White led the class, and it was a most searching time, no
daubing with untempered mortar, but every one exhorted to make
sure work for eternity. In reply to me he said, ' Blessed are they
which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be
filled.' At the closing prayer, I had a view of Jesus pleading for
me, and the Father's face full half turned from me, and I felt to
ask the reason why. The answer was, Because thou hast not
134 HISTORY OF MAESr STREET M. E. CHURCH.
believed the record of my Son. Then I saw there was no pleasing
God without faith, and I must, by faith in the blood of the Lam)),
be cleansed, and there was no coming to the point, but to believe
the record at once. Then and there my heart said, Lord, I believe
the blood wl\ich cleanseth from all unrighteousness is now being
applied, and in a moment my heart appeared as clean as white
paper, which never liad a blot or scratch. Something whispered,
* Be careful, it is a great blessing,' vvliich cau.sed me to look again.
I immediately cried, * Lord, I believe, to the saving of my soul.'
Then a sacred awe came over me, and 1 felt I must not move, and,
while I was holding fast, I was tilled with a silent heaven of love,
to such a degree as I never could conceive before. To speak or
move just now I felt no liberty, but my utmost desire now was
to depart and be with Christ, whose sacred wounds and scars
never appeared half so lovely. 0, the heavenly glories which now
appeared in a crucified, risen Saviour ! I loved him before ardent-
ly, but now I found grace to love him more than twice as much as
ever."
Previous to his conversion, he was impressed
that he should some time be called to take part in
the ministry of Christ, and now, after the work
had taken place, he resigned himself to the calls of
the Spirit. For nearly forty years, he has pro-
claimed " the power of God among rich and poor,"
and is remembered among the aged Methodists of
this city for his zeal, integrity, piety, and general
usefulness.
Rev. Henry E. Hempstead was son of Mr. Eben-
ezer Hempstead. He was born in Norwich, June
12, 1820, and regenerated September, 1835, under
the ministry of Rev. William Livesey, by whom he
. was baptized. His mother, Mrs. Thankful Hemp-
stead, was highly devout, and seems to have accom-
HISTORY OF ISIATN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 135
plishcd miicli for the moral and religions destiny of
her family. His father died, leaving him a chihl,
and, early in life, he entered npon type-setting.
In his nineteenth year, he, in company with Rev.
Frank Bill, started on foot for the Wesleyan Acad-
emy at Wilbraham, Mass., where, by strict econ-
omy, together with some aid derived from teaching
and preaching, he prosecnted his studies to a point
beyond preparation for college.
Returning to his native city, he preached several
months at Bozrah, Connecticut, after which he was
employed by Rev. Phineas Crandall, Presiding
Elder, at Barre, Mass. In December, 1842, he was
removed to take charge of Lunenburg, in the same
State, where Rev. S. Heath, the appointed minis-
ter, had become occupied w^ith Millerism.
December 6, 1812, he married Miss Hannah E.
Merrill, daughter of Rev. Joseph A. Merrill, a
lady of uncommon adaptation for the idiosyncrasies
of ministerial life, of great energy of character,
and high domestic worth.
A revival attended his labors at Lunenburg, and
he was returned to the same charge the succeeding
year. Previous to 1813, he had served as Local
Preacher, his license being ^V*,9/ given at a Quarterly
Conference, held at Wilbraham, September 9, 1839,
Rev. Daniel Dorchester, Presiding Elder. Li 1843,
he joined the New England Conference. Rev. L.
Crowell, his Presiding Elder, continues his history
in the following language :
i
1
I
136 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
Ilis subsequent appointments were as follows : Weston, Mil-
ford, East Boston, Charlestovvn, High Street, each two years ;
Massachusetts State Pi ison as Chaplain six years ; Boston Street,
Lynn, Watertown, each two years ; when, at his request, he was
appointed Chaplain of the 29th Regiment of Mass. Vols. He
joined his regiment at Newport News last spring, accompanied it
to Suffolk, Yorktown, to Fair Oaks, and in the seven days' retreat
to Harrison's Landing. Being sick, lie obtained a short furlough,
and returned home. He then returned, but still too unwell to enter
upon camp service, he remained about tliree weeks in the hospital
at Georgetown, rejoined his regiment at Harper's Ferry, and moved
thence to Fredericksburg. He died of congestive fever, at Fal-
mouth, Va., Sabbath morning, December 21st, at the head-quarters
of Gen. Sumner's Division, aged 42 years 6 months and 9 days."
He says of him :
''Our brother was adorned by many beautiful traits of character.
Those who knew him most intimately found most in him to admire
and love. He was a generous, pure-minded, lovely man. Pos-
sessed of high social and moral qualities, he adorned every relation
of life. He was a filial and most dutiful son. He was a diligent,
studious, self-improving man — a great reader, a careful thinker, an
ardent lover of good books and good men ; and though much
oppressed with a sense of his imperfections, and of his failure to
become what his imagination had conceived to be the true model
after which he should aspire, he nevertheless attained to much
excellence and perfection. As a minister of Christ, he was sincere,
devout, faithful, and exemplary. He instructed and edified the
church, he earnestly entreated men to be reconciled to God, he
carefully and tenderly took the oversight of the flock. The aged
and the young alike respected and loved him. As a speaker his
manner was unusually pleasing and persuasive, always dignified,
often very earnest and forcible.
" He was much impressed with the importance and dignity of
his office. The poet's picture of a good parson was well realized
in him: \
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 137
" ' He bore his <;i eat commission in his look,
But sweetly teiiiiK icd awe, and softened all lie spoke.
He preached the joys of heaven, the pains of hell,
And warned th« sinner with hee<»ming zeal.
But on eternal merey loved to dwell.'
" His ministrations, enforced by liis upright and beautiful life,
honored his ofBce. By liis fidelity, diligeuce, and tenderness, ho
so discharged the varied pastoral and ministerial duties of his office
as to win souls, and promote the Redeemer's kingdom. Though
pleased with liis own denominational relation, lie was catholic, and
loved all that love Christ. Brother II. was a genial, pleasing, and
intelhgent companion; a confiding, frank, and unfailing friend. He
was courteous and kind. A peculiar cheerfulness, dignity, and
affability marked his intercourse with men. Morally speaking, ho
was emphatically a beautiful man. As Jonathan was lovely to
David, so was this dear brother lovely to many. It may be but
justice to our brother, and appropriate to the occasion, that wo
should unfold the motives that prompted him to enlist as a chap-
lain, and the manner in which he discharged the duties of that
office.
" The necessity of appointing chaplains none can doubt. Who
would approve of leaving the million of young men, now confront-
ing the most stupendous power for evil ever organized in our world,
without religious teachers ? AVithout some one to minister to them
when sick, wounded, dying ; preach to them when able to hear,
and bury them when dead, and to exert in numberless ways, salu-
tary influences upon their hearts and lives ? For this service our
brother was remarkably fitted by nature, by experience, by his
eminently successful labors for six years in the prison, by his
love of liberty and country, by his love of the soldiers, and by the
deep and exciting interest that filled his soul for the success of the
national cause.
"His naturally tender and sympathetic nature was rendered
doubly so by oft repeated instances of domestic bereavement,
having lost five children, and they so dying as to leave him twice
without a child. A man of sorrows and affliction, he wisely and
affectionately comforted others, and moved as an angel of mercy
138 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
among the sick,.sorrowful, wounded, and dying soldiers. He pleaded
their cause ; he ministered to them in the spirit of Christ ; h© won
their respect, confidence, and affection.
From the beginning of the contest he was restless to go; he
wanted, as he expressed it, to do something for tlie soldiers, some-
thing for the country. God indicated to his heart the path of duty.
He entered it — he succeeded. God be tijanked. that whatever may
be said of some chaplains, who may have disgraced their office, we
feel confident that none specially connected with him will ever
have cause to blush for shame.. AVe believe his character remains
pure and spotless.
" He did not love war or camp life. He loved home as much
as any man. Duty, he felt, commanded his services in the army.
When home on furlough, ho was a^ked by his venerated mother-
in-law if he had regretted enlisting as chaplain. He said, * Never
for a moment;' and added, that ' if he could contribute by his ser-
vices in putting down the rebellion, he would be willing to die as
a soldier, and be buried without coffin or shroud.'
His own words, written or uttered, will unfold his character in
the office and the motives that governed him.
"From Harper's Ferry he writes to me:
" ' We are having, as a nation, the baptism of blood and fire;
but they are. the symbol of a regenerated nation-. So I believe
with all my heart ; so I preached before I left you. It was this
that inspired me; it inspires me now. It is with the hope I may
contribute somewhat — if but a mite, to the sublime, providential
influences that are destined to make this continent one great domain
of industry, intelligence, and freedom, that I sacrifice home, and
sutler the absence of loved ones dearer to me than life.'
*' Near Fredericksburg, Saturday, November 23, to Mr. Oliver
Smith, of Charlestown, he writes :
' You wish to know howl labor. I make myself familiar with
the sick in hospitals; I bury with customary religious services
the dead — distribute tracts and papers, always have religious ser-
vices on the Sabbath, if possible, and social meetings Sabbath and
Friday evenings, when practicable — have free and unrestricted
intercourse with the men; by timely and kind rebuke, advice, and
i
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. K. CHURCH. 139
in a thousand ways I endeavor by example and otlierwise, as a
good minister of Christ, to do good to tlie bodies and souls of men.
" * Amidst all the confusion and trials of this mode of Ufe, I am
still advancing in the heavenly way. The Gospel never seemed
more precious, or the mission of Christ's servants more sublime.
Every day since I left my precious home and dear old State, I have
felt God to be my refuge and strength. I priory in every thing,
even trials and tears, that may advance his glory.'
November 30. — To his wife,' from the same place :
' You will be pleased to know that I have succeeded in having
services every Sabbath since I got back to the regiment. On our
marches, if we could not have our devotions one hour, I would
seize upon another. So the time has varied, sometimes in the early
morning and sometimes in the evening after a tedious march. We
have services also during the week, when practicable, generally
Friday night. And now [how touchingly these words reveal the
exercises of the soldier's heart!] the shades of evening are falling
on us again. This is the hour when absence from 3'ou and the
precious children is most bitter.' "
The account of liis funeral is transcribed from
the Zion's Herald " and the " Boston Journal :"
" The funeral services of this much-lamented Chaplain of the
29th Massachusetts Regiment were hold in the Tremant Street
Church, on Monday, December 29th.
" A large congregation completely filled the house, among whom
were about seventy members of the New England Conference, to
which Brother Hempstead belonged, and many members of the
churches in Watertown, Charlestown, and East Boston, and Lynn,
where he had been stationed, and from other churches in Boston
and vicinity. The Governor and other State officers, the Mayor of
Charlestown, and the officers of the State Prison, of which Mr.
Hempstead had been Chaplain, were present.
" The services opened with the beautiful hymn commencing:
" ' Friend after friend departs, ^
Who hiith not lost a friend?'
140 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
Select passages of Scripture were read by Rev. L. D. Barrows,
the pastor, and Rev Mr. Miles, of the First Congregational Clmrch
of Charlestovvn, offered prayer.
A sermon was preaclied by Rev. E. 0. Haven, I). D., from the
text in St. John's Gospel, ix. 4 — 'I must work the works of llim
that sent me ; for the niglit cometh, when no man can work.'
The preacher first considered the idea sometimes advanced that
deatli ends a man's thoughts, consciousness, and feelings. Christ
inculcates that man is conscious after death, and that his happiness
depends upon the use ho has made of his life. The experience
after death is night only as viewed from earth; it is morning as
seen from heaven. Tlie teacliing in the text is, that in this life all
men have a work to do, which must be done here or never. The
first great work of a human being is to work for himself. He can-
not conscientiously and successfully work for God, unless he is
himself endowed with a higher life. The speaker then discussed
the nature of the work to be done in this world, and said that it
ought to be done by good men. The address was applied to the
occasion and the man. Dr. Haven argued, that those who are con-
tending against this rebellion are just as much co-workers with
God as those who preach the Gospel, visit the sick, clotlie the
naked, and feed the hungry. He whose body lay cold ])efore them
was a man among the first rank of those who actually made it a
constant purpose to work the most effectually for humanity and
for God. The highest eulogy that he could pronounce upon him
was to say, that he believed from his heart that the predominant
purpose of his life had been for many years to do the most good he
possibly could do in the world.
" The speaker then gave a discriminating account of the deceased,-
his devotion to duty, and his services as chaplain, by the testimony
of soldiers under his care, from the time of the battles of the
Chickahominy to the last at Fredericksburg.
" Rev. Loranus Crowell, D. D., gave a biographical sketch of the
deceased. He had been a preacher about twenty years. Ho
joined his regiment last spring at Fortress Monroe, and was with
it during the Peninsular Campaign. He entered the army from a
HISTOKY OF MAIN STKEET M. E. CHURCH. {-il
sense of duty, and by the faithful discharge of the duties of his
office, won the respect, confidence, and afteciion of the soldiers.
" Rev. E. A. Manning and Rev. Mr. Miles followed, in beautiful
and affecting tributes to the memory of the deceased.
" A last view of the remains was then taken by sorrowing
friends. The casket was enveloped in the national ensign, and
decked with laurel wreaths and rare flowers. The following were
the pall-bearers: Rev. B. K. Pierce, Rev. C. L. McCurdy, Rev. E.
A. Manning, Rev. George M. Steele, Rev. Z. A. Mudge, and Rev.
M. Dwight.
**The body will be taken to Wilbraham, and interred in the
graveyard attached to the Seminary there."
The '^Boston Preachers' Meeting," at a session
held Monday morning, December 29, 1862, unani-
mously adopted, by a rising vote, the following re-
solutions:—
" Resolved, That wo have heard with deep emotion of tlie sudden
demise of our excellent friend and beloved brother, Rev. 11. E.
Hempstead, late Chaplain of the 29th Regiment Massachusetts Vol-
unteers, and member of the N. E. Conference of the M. E. Ciiurch.
Resolved, That his position in the ministry, of which he was a
bright ornament, his ability as a public speaker, his patriotic devo-
tion to his country, the excellence of his character in all the social
relations of life, as citizen, husband, and father, all combined with
the suddenness of his removal from life and its enjoyments to the
solemn realities of eternity, make this bereavement most deeply
afflictive.
Resolved, That while we deplore the deathof our esteemed fellow-
laborer, we submissively bow to the dispensation of Providence, in
the full belief that what has been our gi-eat loss has been our
brotlier's greater gain : and that he has only been called thus early
to receive the reward and welcome of the good and faithful
servant.
Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the family and friends
142 HISTORY OF MAIN STKEET M. E. CHURCH.
of the deceased, and commend them to God, who has promised to
remember the widow and fatherless."
At a meeting of the official members of the M. E.
Church of Water town, held on the evening of
December 22, 18G2, the accompanying resolutions
were unanimously adopted :
*' Wliereas, we have learned with sincere sorrow of the death of
our lato beloved pastor. Rev. Henry E. Hempstead, chaplain of the
29th Regiuient of the Massachusetts Volunteers, at the head-
quarters of General Sumner's division, upon the Rappahannock;
and desiring to make some formal expression of our deep emotions
under this providence : Therefore,
1. Resolved, That we humbly bow before this expression of the
Divine Will, knowing that the event has been ordered in wisdom
and love, however painful in its human aspects to us. ' Even so,
Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.'
" 2. Resolved^ That we bear grateful testimony to the valuable
services of our dear brother when ministering among us — to his un-
blemished purity, to his marked gentleness and courtesy, and to the
universal affection with which he was regarded, both in the church
and in the community.
"3. Resolved, That we were profoundly impressed \\\t\\ the
earnestness and sincerity of his love for our afflicted country, and
his confident belief that in struggling for her he was fulfilling his
duty to God, urging him, at great sacrifices, to take the position
which he has filled to the comfort of many a suffering soldier (as
such an one has often borne testimon}'-), and wo trust to the salva-
tion of some.
*'4. Resolved^ That we do, in union with all our members and the
community generally, sincerely sympathize wjth our truly afflicted
sister and her fatherless daughters, in the loss of a peculiarly fond
and faithful husband and father ; and we, would prayerfully com-
mend her to her only solace— to the widow's God and the Father
of fatherless children.
"6. Resolved, That we ask the privilege of tendering the accom-
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 143
panying donation (two hundred dollars) as a free-will offering of
sympathy and appreciation from friends within and without the
church.
*'6. Resolved, That we will attend the funeral services as a
body."
No supplement is needed or can be furnished to
these unequivocal expressions. lie rests amid the
benedictions of heaven and earth, and when God's
nobility put on their regalia^ he shall shine '' as the
stars forever and ever."
I
CHAPTER YIII.
HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH.
During the pastorate of Rev. Isaac Stoddard
over the Norwich appointment, live Methodist
ladies removed to Greenville, and were employed
in the cotton-mill of Mr. Archibald Kennedy. The
building is now known as Deacon Mowry's Ma-
chine Shop." Soon after their advent thc}^ were
formed into a " class," together with a Miss Hannah
Dean, who hailed from Willimantic. The names of
those eminent five w^ere Hannah Cranston, Sabra
Bushnell, Roxana Starkweather, Sarah Dennison,
and Belinda Rood, of whom the first still resides in
Greenville, respected, beloved, and devoted. Mr.
Jesse Dennison, who was also an exhorter, was ap-
pointed the Jirst leader of the class. " Five o'clock "
meetings were soon held on the Sabbath, at which
Rev, George May often preaclied, in a grove that
was then situated in the rear of the " chapel," for-
merly the Methodist Church. This woodland was
at that time thick and dark, and only a little path
extended through to Mr. Elisha Hill's. Here this
zealous band were accustomed to listen to the Word
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HISTORY OF GKKENVILLE M. E. CHURCH. 145
of Life, seated on rocks, boards, and chairs, and du-
ring the first summer several conversions occurred.
Subsequently, Messrs. John B. Truman and Rich-
mond Oranston became leaders. Still later, Messrs.
Samuel Wilbur, James Babcock, and Martin Ober-
nauer enjoyed the same honorable distinction. Rev.
David Jf. Bentley also preached frequently during
the early history of the Society, and baptized many
of the converts. In the j^ear 1834 he baptized eleven
in the Shetucket River, and eight the year follow-
ing. Additions were made to the classes until a
house for public and social services became neces-
sary. Accordingly, at an adjourned Quarterly Con-
ference, May 13, 1839, Mr. Frederick Coles "inti-
mated a wish that a committee might be appointed
to take into consideration the expediency of building
a house for public worship at Greenville, and report
at the first Quarterly Conference of next conference
year." In approbation of which it vhsls liesolced^
That a committee, consisting of Messrs. Frederick
Coles, William Callyhan, and James Jennings, be
appointed for that purpose." In the Quarterly
Conference of November 21, 1839, the above com-
mittee reported " about $350 subscribed," " and the
promise of a lot to be given by the Water-Power
Company, and recommended Trustees to be ap-
pointed to take a deed of the lot. The following
persons were appointed, viz. : David N. Bentley,
Frederick Coles, Sanford B. Swan, William Cally-
han, and Richmond Cranston. The same to be a
I
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14:6 HISTORY OF GREENVILLK M. E. CHURCH.
building committee, with discretionary powers to
erect said building, and at such time as they may
think proper."
The " chapel " w^as dedicated by Eev. D. Dor-
chester, in the early part of 1840. During the
pastorate of Rev. D. M. Rogers, it w^as lengthened
to meet the requisitions of the increasing audience.
During the Conference year of 1841, Rev. A.
Latham often preached at Greenville, and a num-
ber professed conversion.
In 1842, Rev. S. Lamberton, Local Preacher,
was pastor, and his labors will ever be held in high
estimation. A revival of uncommon power attended
his labors, and his character was exceedingly amia-
ble and spiritual. Rev. Roger Albertson reported,
at the close of 1843, ninety-six members in full
connection, and eighteen on trial ; twelve converted,
and eight withdraw^n, during the year. The latter
item is the more significant, as it connects with the
""Scottite" movement of that place, a schism of
about twenty members, that continued but a short
period, but threatened, at one time, serious disaster
to the young Society. They were accustomed to
meet in the school-house in the rear of the Baptist
church. Most afterwards returned to the fellow-
ship of the Church. The pastorates of Revs. M.
P. Alderman, Cliarles Morse, Sahford Benton, L.
Daggett, Jr., William Turkington, E. Blake, and
W. O. Cady will ever be cherished in memory as
years of revival, or great acceptability.
I
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HISTORY OF GKKEKVILLE M. E. CHURCH. 147
This Society has always been marked by devotion
and religions activity among its members. That
which especially has affected their nnmerical sta-
bility has been the flnxof the inhabitants, a featnre,
in greater or less degree, of every manufacturing
town. From about 1855 the Society declined in
numbers until, in the autumn of 1861, public Sab-
bath services were discontinued, and the chapel
sold. Great was tlie sorrow of the veteran members
as they left for the last time their religious home.
The cause of Methodism was, however, only bap-
tized in the tears that fell, and a brighter day and
a better church shall soon reward tlie faithful.
In the Conference year of 1863^ the present place
of worship was so far begun and indemnified, that
at the ensuing annual Conference they petitioned
for an independent pastorship, which was granted
them. Rev. J. Ellis Hawkins was stationed at the^
new appointment, uiider circumstances tliat would
call into exercise all his varied talents, and- prove
a test of his ability to lead forward a Society under
doubtful advantages. The limited indifference
that was encountered in the enterprise had aroused
the members, concentrated their efforts, and led to
determined sacrifices. With this favorable omen,
Mr. Hawkins led his prudence, activity, and esti-
mable wife to the field, where he soon saw the favor
of God crowning his ministry, and confirming the
interests of what had become, at his advent, nearly
missionary ground for Methodism. He dedicated
I
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148 HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH.
the new church, April Y, 1864, with a sermon
from 1 Peter i. 13. Tlie dedication of the house
was only adumbrative of the renew^ed dedication of
hearts, and a revival of greater or less efficiency has
synchronized with his entire pastorate of three years.
About one hundred have been honored by the
anxious seat," and seventy-two have been enrolled
as probationers, most of whom have been received
into full connection. The members have been
increased more than threefold, and, what is ever
worthy of mention, both pastor and people appear
to be held in high esteem by the conununity.
Among the deceased, or rather among the now
" Immortals," the names of Mr. Samuel Wilbur and
first wife, Miss Almira Cole, daughter of Mr. Fred-
erick Cole, Mrs. Keturah Clark, one of the oldest
members, Mrs. Betsy Bennett, deeply pious, Mrs.
.Louisa Wilbur, first wife of Mr. John Wilbur and
daughter of Mr. Frederick Gole, Messrs. Osborn
Kinney, and Sanford Prentice, were greatly beloved
in life and honored by a glorious dissolution.
Mr. John Sherman was an active participant in
the interests and movements of the churcli, while
Rhodes Alexander, George Culver, Elsey Maynard,
Elizabeth Gardner, Francis A. Batty, Erastus Cole,
Elizabeth Newcomb, Mary Arnold, and others,
died in the Lord, leaving their lives and usefulness
to the church as a sacred inheritance.
" Thus star by star declines,
Till all are passed away."
HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH. 149
Many of those who took an active and early part
removed to other portions of the country or discon-
tinued their activity with this church, among whom
Mrs. lloxana Palmer, wife of the h\te Mr. Robert
M. Pahner, of Main St. M. E. Church, Miss Amy
Prentice, since married and removed, Mr. Buell,
Mr. John B. Truman, Mr. Martin Obernauer, Mr.
O. Beckwith, and Mr. James Babcock, merit espe-
cial honor.
But the most signal member of this Society
remains to be mentioned — Mr. Frederick Cole. He
first presented a petition for separate preaching at
Greenville, and by his stability, activity, and ardent
piety, became nearly synonymous with the Method-
ism of that place for many years. During all his
Christian career, he seems to have maintained a
fervent love for the church of his choice ; was class-
leader for half a century. He died November 8,
1866, aged eighty, after he had survived to witness
his highest earthly ambition, the erection of a new
church and a gracious revival. His last days were
peaceful, and full of the oft-repeated desire to enter
the mansions fitted up for him in glory."
*But otjiers who have long served the Society
will take the banner from his victorious but fallen
hand, and, planting it on his grave, will continue to
defend and cherish the cause. God gives men and
grace for the hour, and when Washington is called
to the Cabinet of Heaven, Lincoln is substituted to
raise the nation higher than the past. Among the
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150 HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH.
active members of to-day, tlie name of Mr. Owen
Stead is highly significant, of a catholic, humorous,
and cheerful disposition, and a useful, enlightened
piety. Messrs. John Wilbur and Henry P. Lee
are active officers of the churcli, and Mr. Elisha
Perry, witli Mr. Albert Brewster and others, will
be remembered as contributing much to the spirit-
ual or practical interests of the new Society. The
church has ever been blessed with a pious sister-
hood, many of whom have long since been removed
wath reliable certificates to "the church of the first-
born in heaven." Among the remaining, Miss
Hannah Cranston, one of the original five early
members, and Miss Nancy Babcock, Mrs. Asenath
Wilbur, and Mrs. Ann Anderson, of later date, are
distinguished by a devoted Christian character. It
would be inconsistent and impossible to properly
memorialize all the meriting, and especially the
young, whose history, although so well begun, is
yet to he made. May they not fail in due time to
reap the spiritual laurels of earth and heaven.
Rev. Henry C. Arnold, a local preacher of the
M. E. Church, is a member here, and by a consist-
ent life, and acceptable participation in the social
meetings, is useful and respected, while his labors
abroad, upon the Sabbath, are with the divine bles-
sing.
The record of this church, on the whole, has
been chameleon, in respect to permanent numbers,
and financials ; but, spiritually, the fire has never
I
HISTORY OF GRKENVILLE M. E. CHUKCII. 151
gone out upon the altar. The recording angel alone
can survey all the harvest of the bygone — God only,
the success of the future. As the |)ast encourages,
BO the present should stimulate to greater zeal,
and, necessarily, to greater victory.
CHAPTER IX.
HISTORY OF THE FKEE CHURCH.
The pioneer spirit of Rev. D. N. Beiitley and
others was not yet prepared for adopting the words
of Simeon : " Lord, lettest now thy servant depart
in peace." Anotlier cluircli is to arise, progress
under grave, but not insurmountable difficulties, and
culminate in freedom from debt, and general pros-
perity. Rev. James D. Butler, in the ''Preachers'
Church Book" of Main Street M. E. Churchy
writes : " About October, in consequence of a desire
long cherished by a portion of our membership, for
a separate interest on the west side of the river, a
place was procured, and a meeting opened. Soon
after a regular church was organized." The ''Re-
cord Book of the Trustees " of the Free Church con-
tains the following : " In tlie summer of 1864, some
brethren connected with the E. Main Street M. E.
Church, in the City of Norwich, under the pastoral
charge of Rev. James D. Butler, obtained the ap-
probation of said church and pastor to procure a
place for a free meeting, in the city. In pursuance
of this object, these brethren obtained and fitted up
a large commodious I'oom on Central Wharf. And
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
153
for the purpose of givinj^ character and authority
to the enterprise, the Quarterly Meeting Conference,
holden in the vestry of the K. Main Street M. E.
Church, on the evening of the 29th day of Sep-
tember, 1854, appointed Messrs. Alvan C. Currier,
Ulysses S. Gardner, John M. Brewer, David II.
Seaman, Henry W. Leach, and William B. Lewis,
to act as stewards to procure means to support and
carry forward the object of organizing and estab-
lishing a free church in the city, where the pews
in the place of worship shall be free to be occupied
by any and all who may be induced to attend such
place of worship, without respect of persons, or con-
dition in society."
The Quarterly Conference records for Sept. 29th,
1854, contain the following : " Brother Butler says
that a few brethren have opened a new house of
worship on the west side, and wish to be set off,
stating also, that the subject had been brought be-
fore the Board, and acted upon, and approved.
The Presiding Elder wished to kriovv^ how many of
the members were engaged in the movement. The
answer was, ' about twenty-five.' Other remarks
were made on the movement of the brethren on the
west side, and a resolution was presented to the
Conference, as follows : ' Resolved^ That this Con-
ference approve of the action of the Board, by
which they consented that the brethren should
organize a new church on the west side of the
river.' Passed. ^ ^ Tlie Presiding Elder de-
7*
II
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1
154 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
clared them to be a separate cliarge, and Brother I.
M. Bidwell is to have cliarge of the new station."
The Bethel," situated on Central Wharf, was
secured as a temporary place of public worship,
and after having been refitted, was dedicated Sept.
26, 1854, by Eev. llobert M. Hatfield. During
the year, a white flag was dispLayed from the
church, inscribed ''Bethel Church."
Nov. 26 of that year, their former pastor resign-
ing. Rev. C. R. Wilkins, a local preacher from the
Troy Conference, was made his successor, and was
reappointed at the ensuing Annual Conference,
when the Station was designated, ''West Main Street
M. E. Church." He remained only till June 18th
of that year, when Rev. Charles M. Payne assumed
the pastorship, and closed the year after a most
interesting revival, which proved a blessing no less
to other denominations than the " Bethel."
In the biennial ministry of Rev. L. D. Bentley,
the following occurs among the archives of tlie
Society : " At a meeting of the Official Board,
convened Aug. 31, 1857, Rev. L. D. Bentley and
Messrs. James M. Currier and John M. Brewer
were authorized to purchase the lot on the south
side of Main Street, belonging to the Main Street
Congregational Society." The same committee
was appointed to take the deed in trust and con-
tract for building a new church upon that site.
They contracted for the lot, and proceeded to build
the basement, when serious reverses beset the enter-
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 155
prise, and tlireatened fatal results. Rev. David N.
Bentley, however, by supplying the pulpit free of
expense for a year, and donating one thousand dol-
lars, a sum which Mrs. Betsey Bentley, liis wife,
equaled in her subscription, at the same extremity,
relieved temporarily the crisis. The basement was
first occupied Feb. 13, 1858^ and the church was
dedicated by a sermon from Rev. Dr. Raymond,
then of Wilbraham, Aug. 3, 1859, under the pas-
torship of Rev. Robert Parsons. The ministry of
Rev. Carlos Banning witnessed considerable pros-
perity, and Rev. Norris G. Lippitt, from his success,
was retained to the utmost limit. But a lieavy
debt encumbered its growth until Oct. 1S60, when
tlie entire indebtedness was swept away. The fol-
lowing explains, taken from the Norwich Bulletin,
Oct. 11, 18G6:
*' Since the commencement of the present Conference year, a
friend oufdde of this church, but partial to free sittlmjs in the
* house of God,' said to the official Boai d : *It is in vain for you to
struggle longer with this burdensome debt, drawing semi-annually
on your limited means of support. Now I will give you $1,000 on
condition that you will raise the other $2,000, and wipe out this
church debt by the lirst of October.' The matter wa.5 undertaken,
wiih confidence that the good people of Norwich, of different
denominations friendly to the cause, would respond generously to
an application for assistance to accomplish this desirable object.
And the result has been, by twenty-eight subscriptions, including
that of the friend above alluded to, tiie wliole sura of $3,000 has
been raised. The mortgage has been canceled, and the church is
now free from debt.
" Those generous donors who, in the spirit of true Dhristian philan-
♦
156
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCir.
thropy, have aided in this good work, have now the satisfaction of
knowing that Norwich has one decently finished and very com-
modious free-seated house of worslii^; pleasantly located in the
central part of the city, for the benefit of the people, where all arc
ahko invited to avail themselves of the privilege of attending
divine worship and the preaching of the Gospel; where none in
our city, however poor or unfortunate in their circumstances, or
transient persons in the place, on business or otherwise, have the
excuse for not attending religious worship on the Sabbath, that
they cannot afford to hire a shp, or that they have no seat in the
house of God. For this church offers its seats freely to all alike —
saying to the people, both rich and poor together, ' 0 come, let us
worship and bow down ; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker,
for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the
sheep of his hand.'
"It was to meet such a want in our city that this church was
projected on the plan of free seats ; and for its continued success
it is now renewedly commended to God and a sympathizing Christian
public.
"In view of the foregoing facts, in the Providence of God, at a
meeting of the Trustees of the M. E. Free Church, held in the
small vestry on the 9th day of October, 18G6,
It was Resolved, That the grateful acknowledgments and
thanks of this Board of Trustees, in behalf of themselves and the
Free Church in this city, are hereby tendered to those generous
friends who liave so munificently symi athized with this church
and its object of opening a free-seated house of worship to the
people^ and for their prompt assistance in freeing the same from a
cumbersome debt by their liberal donations, so that this church,
by the blessing of God, may be the means of gathering from the
^highways and hedges'' a goodly number of saved sinners that will
be admitted to the ' Marriage Supper of tlie Lfimb.' And may the
greater blessedness of those that give than of those that receive,
be upon the generous donors.'*
Its history, to-day, lies in prophecy. Trial and
discouragement have marked the past ; but the
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 157
future, if piety continue on their side, and worldli-
ness and Satan on the otlier side, can hardly be
less til a n honorable to Christ and glorious to the
Churcli.
Mr. TTlysses S. Gardner, witli others of the same
name, holds high distinction among this Society
for his liberality in the support of the Gospel, and
interest in all that pertains to the prosperity of tlie
cause. No secondary place can be assigned Mr.
Titus Carrier, who, as class-leader or" sweet singer
in Israel," is little excelled in any of the previous
churclies. lie seems an incarnation of the senti-
ment,
"O, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise."
Mr. John Mitchell, for exalted views of Christian
munificence, and an ambition not only to have
religion exist, but flimrish^ merits the grateful
recognition of the Methodists of Norwich ; and,
with his lamented brother, Mr. Thomas Mitchell,
who was so suddenly removed from the clmrch
militant, entombed in the respect of community,
will reap a full reward. In a word, the etitire
Board of Stewards ought to remove from the city,
leaving us opportunity to speak their estimate with
earth and heaven.
Mr. David P. Eldredge, late of this city, and a
member of the Free Church from March, 1861,
was born in Nantucket, March 6, 1816. After
leading a nautical life for several years, often visit-
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158 HISTORY OF THE FREE CIIURCIT.
ing the missionaries in his voyages, he came to this
city, June, 1860, where, with his worthy consort,
he has won the respect and affection of the Society,
who regret his departure.
Among the laity, both young and aged, will be
found notable examples of piety, whose record has
been, and is being, committed to celestial archives,
to await the publication of the judgment-day.
Rev. David Niles Bentley was born in North
Stonington, Connecticut, July 27, 1785. lie was
the third son of Mr. Ezekiel Bentlej^, who died
February 4, 1834, in the ninety -seventh year of his
age. His mother was Miss Anna Chapman, eldest
daughter of Deacon Joseph Chapman, of Groton,
now Ledyard. She died October 25, 1853, aged
ninety-seven years. He was early impressed with
the great truth that God^ the Creator, was himself
the righteous Judge of the world. This fact was
fixed in his young mind by an incident which
occurred when he was but a little over five years of
age. AVhile playing with some older children, a
piece of mischief was done, which they all laid to
him, for which he was punished rather severely.
Being exceedingly grieved that he was punished
for an alleged fault of which he was innocent, he
retired into the orchard, and sat ddwn bj^ the side
of a great rock, and gave vent to his grief by weep-
ing. Then looking upwards, and beholding great
majestic clouds sailing through the heavens, he
thought that Pie who made those bodies to float on
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HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
159
the " wings of the wind," knew tliat he was inno-
cent of the crime for which he liad been punished.
This thought assuaged his grief, and he felt cahn
and happy.
About three years after, George, liis brother, two
years older, was taken with a disease, called at
that time the Camp Dhtemjperil'^ and reduced to
a mere skeleton. From him, his mother and all
the family, of seven children, took the disease.
They were all prostrated at once, and nearly help-
less. Only David and his mother were able to
render any assistance, and that by the greatest
exertion. The neighbors, being temfied at this
distemper, which proved so fatal in the army of
the Kevolution, were afraid to come into the house.
Three of the children died — two in one night,
within a few minutes of each otlier. The mother
sat by the cradle of his little sister, three years
old, closing her eyes in death, while David sat on
the floor by the side of a little bed, on which his
youngest brother was then dying, and closed his
eyes. No person in the house was able to go from
one room to another. The father had gone for
help, but no one dared to come except a Christian
woman, who laid out " the dead. The following
night, his .brother, next younger than himself, died,
and not a person in the house could do the least
thing to the dead. The mother and David were
sick with the same distemper, and it was all they
could do to render a little assistance to the other
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HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
members of the family, almost in a dying state.
While he was closing the eyes of this last brother,
his mother spoke to him : David, why are you so
quiet and unaffected while disease and death are
all around you ?" In reply, he said : " Dear mo-
ther, w^e can't alter any thing by our tears, God
will do that which seemeth to Ilim right and just.
Let us try to do what we can to help the living.
We can't bring back the dead to life." Ilis mother
exclaimed, David, you talk like a minister."
The father procured coffins, and put the children
into them, fastened them, and carried them some
distance from the house, where neighbors took
them away and buried them on the hill-side.
After recovering, he attended a district school
eight or ten weeks, where, as he did not join with
the boys in their sports, they called him ^' DeaconP
But after a while his seriousness diminished, and
for nearly five years he passed a most unhappy life
of sinning and repenting. Having a natural pro-
pensity for fun, he would indulge in those things
through the day, and at night feel condemned,
often afraid to close his eyes in sleep, lest he should
wake up in hell. Frequently he would weep and
pray for hours before he dared to close his eyes in
sleep, many times promising the Lord, if Jle would
spare and forgive him, he w^ould do so no more.
This part of his life is clearly portrayed in tho^e
beautiful lines of Charles Wesley :
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HI8T0EY OF THE FREE CHUECH,
101
'* Now I repent and sin again ;
Now I revive, and now am slain ;
Slain with the same unhappy dart
"Wliich, oh 1 too often wounds my heart."
During tliis state of mind, one night, after
lamenting his sins, he lost himself in sleep, when
he seemed to be in a field, where he w^as cliased by
a demon ^ who soon overtook him, and with a long
knife began to cut his face, so that the blood ran
down his cheeks and dropped from his cliin. The
muscles of his face felt as if the blood had dried
upon them. Awaking, he could not persuade him-
self that it was not a reality until he had washed
his face and looked in the mirror. From the time
of his sickness till his removal to Norwich, for a
period of more than five years, he never had the
privilege of attending one religious meeting of any
kind. On the last of April, 1799, he was hired as
a chore-boy to Mr. Barzillui Davison, of this city.
He, with the family of Mr. Davison, attended the
Old Episcopal Church, of which Rev. John Tyler
was pastor. He obtained the English Prayer-Book
then in use, and read the lessons and prayers with
the congregation, and made the responses as audi-
bly as Deacon Warren. At the expiration of six
months he went home, where he spent most of the
w^inter in attending the district school. The inter-
missions were passed with the teacher in study.
In the spring of 1800, he was ''bound out" as
an apprentice to Mr. Barzillai Davison, of Norwich,
162
HISTORY OF THE FRKE CHURCH.
to learn the trade of a goldsmitli. Soon after lie
went with a fellow-apprentice, Mr. Nicholas Chev-
alier, several years older, to the Methodist meeting,
where the latter^ wdio was very wicked, soon pro
fessed to be converted, quit his business, and w^ent
about holding meetings. About this time, Capt.
William Davison, brother of his employer, ran a
packet from Norwich to New York, and coming
home sick with the yellow fever, and dying with
his mate, the citizens became alarmed, and many
families went into the country. Among them was
the family of Mr. Barzillai Davison, leaving Mr.
Bentley to take care of the house and shop. He
had now but little to do other than reading the
Bible, watching with the sick, and attending
prayer-meetings. Just at this time, the eccentric
Lorenzo Dow came into the place, and preached in
a room then occupied by the Methodists, in an old
wooden building now standing on the north side of
Water street, directly opposite Norton Brother's
store. In his unsettled and gloomy state of mind
he went to hear, taking a seat directly behind him
partially concealed by the door. During his dis-
course, the preacher described the condition and
feelings of a sinner under conviction for sin. After
he had very clearly portrayed to the congregation
his condition, he turned himself squarely round,
and laying his hand on the head of Mr. Bentley,
said : Young man, is not that the truth, and yon
can't deny it f '
HISTORY OF THE FRKE CHURCH.
163
In this state of condemnation lie remained seve-
ral weeks, reading tlie Bible, and praying some-
times nearly all niglit. But no liglit retlected from
the sacred page. Soon after, one night, after re-
turning home from meeting, he retired to his room,
read the Bible, and then prostrated himself before
the Lord, and while praying in anguish of spirit
he lost himself, and seemed to be urging his way
through a dense thicket of thorns and briers, but
at length, with great difficulty, he emerged upon
the bank of a river, and looking over saw a happy
group of friends, among whom he recognized his
dear mother and a godly old grandfather. They
all desired him to cross over, but no means could
be found. Finally, he saw a large tvee^ the branches
of wliich seemed to extend quite over to the oppo-
site side. He hastened to the tree, and with some
ditttculty seizing a projecting branch, soon found
himself at the extent of its horizontal reach, when,
lo ! to his dismay, he found himself only half way
over the river. He thought of returning, but had
gone so far, return was ditticult, if not impossible.
There he was, on the bending limb of that old tree,
the deep, dark river swiftly flowing beneath him,
into which if he fell, ruin was inevitable. He
cried for help, and at that moment, when all hope
of rescue failed, a most heavenly-looking person,
from among that happy group on the other shore,
came and stood directly under that bending branch,
to which he w as clinging almost in despair, and
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164
HISTOEY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
looking up with indescribable loveliness, said to
liiin, " Let go of that tree ; I will save you from
this raging flood." He let go his hold on that pre-
carious limb, and instantly, in some way, he found
himself safe on shore, and happy with his friends.
The transition being so great, he came to himself,
and found it to be a dream. Yet he felt peaceful
in mind, wondering what all this should mean.
The distress and condemnation for sin, which had
so long burdened his soul, were gone. " My mind,"
he says, " was ilhmiinated with this interpretation,
which I applied to myself. That dense thicket
through which I passed with so much difficulty
was emblematic of that grievous state of mind
through which I had been struggling for months.
The river which separated me from the happy
group on the other bank, was sin. The tree, the
branches of which seemed to extend quite across
the river, was the law, which, when best per-
formed, can only half save the sinner. That fear-
ful holdin^: on to the bendin<>: branch of the tree, is
the last position of the sinner, before he yields to
be saved by grace alone through faith in Christ.
The farthest branch of that tree extended only halt
way over the river. So the law, by its strictest
ohseriiance, only Italf saves the sinner. Not by
works of righteousness that we h^ve done, but by
His mercy hath He saved us, through faith in
Jesus, which is the end of the law for righteous-
ness. While I was hanging on that fearful branch
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165
of the Law, I saw no way of escape. ' Help
failed me.' In my despair, Jesus came to my res-
cue, and said to me, ' Let go, and I will save you.'
All I had to do was to let go^ falling and crying,
' Save ^ Lord, or 1 2?erh7L^ Immediately, in some
way, how 1 cannot tell, I found myself safe and
happy with my dearest friends. I could adopt the
sentiment of the poet, w^here he says,
* Now will I tell to sinners 'round,
AVhat a dear Saviour I have found.'
After this I was tempted to say nothing about it ;
that 1 was a mere Joy, and no one would believe me.
But I soon learned that the devil was a liar. It was
not long after this, when I felt strongly impressed
to go home and talk witli my father and mother,
brothers and sister, but my courage failed me.
After a few weeks I resolved to go the first oppor-
tunity, whatever might be the result. Accordingly,
when I had gained a day by overwork, I started
for the old mansion in North Stonington, praying
all the way as I went, that the Lord would prepare
the way for a successful interview. When I came
in sight of the old house, I turned aside by the
wall and there prayed the Lord to give me strength
and courage to do my duty faithfully, whatever
might be the consequence. Rising from my knees
I went directly to the door, and knocked, when I
recognized the familiar voice of my mother, bidding
me ' walk in? As I entered the room, she ex-
166
iriSTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
claimed, ^ ^VTiy David, is it you?' embracing mc
with wonted affection. Soon she began to discover
there w^as some alteration in my appearance, and
said, 'David, what is the matter with, you; are
you sick?' — 'No, mother, I am sick of nothing but
sin.' 'I never felt better in all my life. I've
come home on purpose to tell you what a dear
Saviour I have found.' This touched a chord in
motlier's soul that Inought tears to her eyes, as also
the time of her espousal to the Lord. Calling my
sister Polly, who was in her chamber, and had not
heard of my arrival, she continued, 'David is
come home, don't you w^ant to see him V As soon
as she entered the room she saw that something \vas
the matter, for both mother and T were in tears.
She embraced me affectionately, while I responded,
saying, 'Dear sister, do you love Jesus? Have
you made your peace w^ith God V She made no
reply and burst into tears. Then, in the fullness of
my soul, I exhorted /ler to seek salvation imme-
diately. At this moment, in came my father, and
two brothers, older than myself. After the usual
salutations, my father said, 'David, I understand
you have joined those deluded Methodists.' — 'Well,
father,' said I, ' if they are deluded, it is a happy
delusion.' My two brothers now joined ^vith father,
expressing their surprise that 1 shoujd be captivated
and led away by such a set of enthusiasts. Neither
my father, nor any of his family, except mother,
had ever made any pretensions to religion. They
were all against me, so that I could not stand my
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HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
167
hand to argue with them. As a last resort, I
appealed to the Lord for an argument, and drop-
ping on my knees, made my appeal to tlie Searcher
of hearts. How long I was on my knees, I cannot
tell, but Avhen I arose, it was evident that the argu-
ment of prayer had prevailed. My father stood
trembling like Belsliazzar, and my sister and botli
my brothers were completely overwhelmed witli as-
tonishment and tears ; my dear mother sat in silent
wonder at what had transpired. Now, I had a fair
field, and began to relate my conversion, and the
importance of experiencing a similar change of
heart. AVhen I had finished speaking and praying
with them, daylight began to dawn in the eastern
sky. Tliere stood the supper -table ^ which was being
prepared when first I entered the house. There be-
ing now a little less feeling, all that were composed
enough gathered around the old family iahle^ and
after asking God to bless what his providential hand
had supplied, we partook. Bidding them all good-
by, their hearts too full for utterance, I took my
departure for Norwich. After walking nine miles
out and back again, with a sleepless night, I went
to my day's work, bright as a new-made shilling.
The next week after my return, I received a letter
from Mr. Benjamin Hill, a young convert, just
begining to exhort, who had heard of the visit to
my father's house, and had gone four or five miles
to see them, and held a meeting at their house.
He informed me that my mother was overjoyed at
163
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
the change which had taken place in her family ;
that my father was greatly changed ; that my sister
was truly converted ; and both my brothers were
not ' far from the kingdom.' This was in the fall
of the year 1800. In the spring of 1801, on the
day of the annual fast, having previously sent word
that I was coming, I set out for the place of my
nativity, where I arrived between nine and ten
o'clock, A. M., finding quite a numl)er of the
neighbors already convened. By ten o'clock, the
house was filled to its utmost capacity, and as I had
never attempted to hold a public meeting before, I
was at a loss what to do ; expecting only a few par-
ticular friends and neighbors. The first thought
was to apologize, sing and pray with the congrega-
tion, and let them go. But then how would that
agree with the report which had gone abroad, that
I was going around with ministers, holding meet-
ings? I concluded to make an attempt, and do
what I could. Standing up and stating that J did
not expect to see such a collection of people ; as
they had come together — perhaps the most part
from curiosity, to see and hear what a (/)'een boy
of fifteen could say about religion, rather than to
seek the salvation of their own souls; yet I would
try, by the help of God, to gratify them. After
singing the hymn, ' Come, Sinners, to the Gospel
Feast,' and kneeling in the midst- of the company,
and praying with a good deal of freedom, I rose
from my knees, perceiving that quite a number
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HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
169
found use for tlieir handkerchiefs. I sang another
hymn, 'And must I be to Judgment brought,' and
with little thought of the position in which I was
placed, took an old Bible from the shelf near where
I stood, and read these words : ' It is appointed unto
men once to die, but after this the judgment.' I
proceeded to speak of the certainty of death — that
we must all die ; that the great business of life was
to prepare for death^ for after this the judgment
comes. As I became quite engaged on this awful
subject, directing my discourse to a group of young
people before me, a young lady rose up quickly and
made for the door, when almost involuntarily I said,
^ Young woman, you can't flee from the monster,
death.' She dropped to the floor, as also another
that started to leave. All was consternation for a
few moments. I begged the people to compose
themselves and be quiet ; that God would take care
of those young ladies ; that it was the power of the
Holy Spirit^ working upon their hearts. The first
one was carried to the door, and camphor and other
restoratives were used, but to no visible effect. Dur-
ing all this time, I talked and prayed with those in
the house, especially the one that last fell, who
was crying for mercy. When 1 sang those lines,
. , 'But drops of grief can ne'er repay
The debt of love I owe ; ,
Here Lord, 1 give myself away,
'Tis all that I can do,*
she exclaimed, 'Yes, I do give myself to thee,
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170 HISTORY OF THE FEEE CHURCH.
blessed Jesus, and if I had ten thousand souls, I
would give them all to thee ! O thou art my
Saviour, I do love thee ! Thou hast died for me,
I will praise lliui forever. Blessed be His holy
name.' While she was rejoicing and praising God,
they brought in the other one, and laid her on a
bed in a state of apparent unconsciousness. A
physician came and examined. He said there was
no derangement of the organs of life ; respiration
was free and regular ; tlie motions of the heart and
pulse were natural ; that from some cause not loell
understood^ the powers of volition and articulation
were in some way suspended, as in sleep. He did
not think there was any cause to be alarmed. Most
of the people went away, but a few stayed to know
the sequel. It now was evening, and the one who
had become so happy, approached her friend, and
began to pray over her, and talk to her about Jesus.
After some time she began to make some efforts to
speak, faintly saying, 'I saw Jesus hanging on .the
cross. I saw the blood from his hands and feet, as
he bowed his head and died for me, saying, "Father,
forgive!" O, is it possible, that Jesus loves me!
O, yes. He died for me ! O, how I love him. now !
What shall I do to praise him ? Glory to Jesus.'
The night passed almost imperceptibly, and my
mother and sister had prepared an early breakfast,
after which, exhorting them to hold fast whereunto
they had attained, I left for Norwich."
We resume, at this point, the general history of
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HISTORY OF THE FKI^E CHtJHCH. 171
Mr. Bentley. He was baptized in the Yantic
River, near the New London Depot, by Eev. Peter
Vannest, in the same year, and began the practice
of fasting on Friday, which he continued nearly
three years, when he was taken with the yellow
fever, and continued it until he was instructed by
his physician that the habit was injurious to liis
health. After convalescence, becoming free from
his indentures, by the abscondence of his employer,
and being at leisure, he traveled on horse the New
London Circuit with Rev. Nathan Emory. Believ-
ing that he could be more useful in local than
itinerant ministry, he commenced business as
plumber and brass-founder in 1805. In the fall
of this year, he married Miss Letitia Gardner,
daughter of David Gardner, Esq., of Bozrah. She
was an earnest Christian, an atfectionate mother,
an obliging friend, and a devoted wife. Eleven
children lived to realize and return her undying
love, and four died in infancy. Six of the adult
members have passed away with the mother, while
live remain to perpetuate the memory and virtues
of God's highest gift to mankind, next to Jesus, a
pioiis mother.
Mr. Bentley began business with nothing but
his hands, the respect of community, and His
blessing " that maketh rich," yet, by honesty and
integrity in his transactions, despite the expenses of
* 1804.
172 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHIJROH.
a numerous family, he amassed property, and has
presented a noble instance of generosity, which
should lead others to emulate his heaven-deposited
charity. Chiefly by his liberality and indemnifica-
tion, the church was built upon the Wharf Bridge,
previous to which a large part of the expenses
accruing from the rents of religious conventicles,
keeping" the preachers' horses, fuel and lights,
was met by his unstinted charity. The Sachem
Street, Main Street, Free, and Greenville churches
were all early indebted largely to his contributions,
both of money and exertions. In order to prose-
cute the erection of the church that was lost by
the flood, after suffering it to absorb his ready
means, he mortgaged his house to furnish the requi-
site deficiency, making it a security for a note of
six hundred dollars. His name, in gold, at least, is
inscribed on all the pillars of the above churches,
and the memory of his munificence can hardly be
less than apples of gold in baskets of silver." »
In 1817, he was solicited to remove to Zanes-
ville, Ohio, and, taking the precaution to go and
become fully apprised of the position before con-
cluding the agreement, he passed most of the jour-
ney in a single team, and decided to emigrate by
the 25th of December following. He was pre-
vented from going by a fall from a horse, and was
disabled for three months, the effects of which have
never been fully removed. His peculiar experience
in 1827 is transcribed from his own pen. It was
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH, 173
the commencement of the great ^ anti-Masonic
excitement,' which extended all over the country,
from one end to the other, entering every circle,
domestic, political, and religious. If any one did
not take sides witli either party, he was despised
by both. I was a Freemason ; had passed through
every degree of the institution from an Entered
Apprentice to the Council, but had not met Avith
the lodge since the laying of the corner-stone of
the Sachem Street M. E. Church, not because there
was any thing wielded in the institution, but because
my time was required by duties to my family, the
Church, and tlie salvation of my fellow-men.
After a while, it became known that I had not
renounced the institution, and a committee was
appointed to wait on me, and inform me that I
must renounce Masonry, or be renounced as a
preacher. I wrote to them that I did not under-
stand what they meant by 'renouncing.' If they
meant that I must expose or divulge any secret,
mark, or sign, I never should do it. They said
there were no 'secrets' now, that they had been
all revealed and published to the world. ' Then,'
I replied, 'I can't reveal that which is already
exposed to public view.' So they let me alone,
threatening to raise a mob, and pry out the corner-
stone of the church, which Jhe Freemasons had
laid."
In 1836, January 13, Mrs. Harriet C. Jewett, his
eldest child, wife of Mr. Henry L. Jewett, died of
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174 HISTORY OP THE FREE CHURCH.
consumption, after protracted suffering. She was
converted at eleven years of age, and her baptism
was somewhat characteristic. Mr. Bentley had
invited a number of converts to his house, prepa-
ratory to baptism, and after he had spoken with
them, Harriet, eleven years of age, having pro-
fessed conversion just before, said to her father,
You have not said any thing to me about bap-
tism."— " No, my child," he replied, " you were
baptized in your childhood, and I will talk with
you on the subject, some other time." The next
day, when he had baptized the last candidate, and
was coming up from the water, his daughter came
down the bank, habited to receive the ordinance.
Mr. Bentley addressed her, '^Why, Harriet, you
were baptized in your infancy." — " No, father," she
returned ; " if I had been baptized in my infancy,
I should have been satisfied. But I was old enough
to know that I was a sinner, for I was mad when
the minister baptized me, and wet my new dress
with the water." The father no longer deferred
her request, and after its performance, approaching
the shore, he said : " Baptism is not the putting
away of the filth of the flesh, but the answering of
a good conscience towards God." Her faith and
trust continued to- the last moment, and when it
was supposed that the mortal struggle was over,
she aigain revived, and said : " I thought that wave
would have landed me on the tranquil shore of
Heaven and Immortality, but this one, I trust, will
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HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 175
be the last." Pressing the paternal hand, she
breathed faintly, " Farewell ! meet me in heaven."
October 27, 1838, his daughter, Mrs. Jane L.,
wife of Mr. Zalmon Booth, deceased, after she had
expressed a willingness to depart and be with her
sister, who had gone before to that heavenly land,
" where the inhabitants never say they are sick."
Mr. Bentley was called to mourn the death of
his son, David G., May 1, 1845. He died at New
Orleans, where he had gone for his health, of the
same insidious disease which had removed his eldest
sister, and soon invited his beloved wife, Harriet
M., to follow. He was converted early in life, but
fell into religious inditference until this marriage,
when he soon became a zealous Christian, class-
leader, and exhorter. He died in confident expec-
tation of joining the blood-w-ashed bands of Para-
dise, in sight of w^iich the graves of saints are but
stepping-stones to the chariots of the Eternal.
Mrs. Caroline Stowell, another daughter, was
taken ill at Portsmouth, Virginia, and her wishes
were instant, to be brought to the homestead and
die there among the relatives and friends of her
childhood. • Tliough much reduced by sickness and
apparently near to death, sustained by the kind-
ness of God and the hope of reaching home, she
was taken on board a vessel in an India-chair, made
of cane, constructed so that it formed at pleasure a
sort of lounge, while its back could be elevated at
any angle. She withstood the roughness of thevoy-
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176 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
age better thaii lier attendants, until reaching tlie
New London Light-house, when she sank rapidly.
By telegraphing to Norwich, and speeding the
"small steamer," she was enabled to reach this city
5 o'clock p. M., Friday, and was carried to the
mother she so longed to behold. She died the next
day, about 3 o'clock p. m., after bidding all the
family a long " farewell," and by faith in Christ was
entered among the list of safe immortals, June 17,
1848.
Mr. Bentley was called to mourn the translation
of his wife, Mrs. Letitia, October 30, 1853, after
a short illness. Her health had been declining
upwards of a year, but now attacked by pleuritic
disease, she prognosticated it as her last sickness ;
and after she had made a judicious disposition of
her personal effects, and advised early companion-
ship to her husband, near the last she said : " There
is Gardner ; he has come for me. I shall be ready
shortly," and soon slept the Christian's sleep, whiph
never even dreams of sorrow. She was highly
benevolent, kind to the poor, provident for the
comforts of the itinerant minister, even to the sac-
rifice of her own convenience, and faitliful to God
and her friends. Something like an hour before
she ceased to breathe, taking Mr. Bentley by the
hand, she said, in her fond, familiar way : Father^
you will be very lonely when I am gone, and now,
I advise you, as soon as you can bring your mind to
I
f
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
1Y7
tlie subject, to take to yourself another compan-
ion," intimating who that one should be.
At the gloomy midnight hour, with mournful
step," May 27, 1865, he followed his son, John W.,
to the city of the dead. lie had died of small-pox,
contracted while awaiting the refitment of a vessel
which he had just brought in to New York as a
prize, and of which he had received orders from
the Navy Department to take command.
Again, March 4th, of the same year, he resigned
the remains of his daughter, Elizabeth R., to the
peaceful quiet of Yantic Cemetery. She was the
youngest of fifteen children, and the idolized wife
of William II. Allen, Esq., of New York. Slie
was greatly beloved and respected among her rela-
tives and acquaintance.
As will be remembered from the previous refer-
ences, Mr. Bentley commenced his labors as a Local
Preacher soon after conversion, and has continued
in this unremunerative field until the present tiine.
In 1811, and for several succeeding years, he alter-
nated with the traveling ministry at the Landing
and Bean Hill, except at such times as an exchange
was efiected with other local ministers. He also at
this early date began to preach at the Almshouse,
whence some of God's poor, rich in faith and celes-
tial treasures, have been taken to the King's Palace,
among whom may be mentioned Aunt Betsey
Calkins and Mr. Nathan Becket, who shall repre-
sent a goodly company that have exchanged the
8*
178
HISTORY OF THE FEEE CHUECH.
Poorhouse for Heaven, indigence for wealth,
humility for coronation. Doubly blest shall be his
efforts who, without pay or praise, has continued
to serve penury in life and death, and in the
feebleness of old age is all unconsciously provoking
the applaudit, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto
one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done
it unto me."
The New Year's eve of 1817 was a marked
occasion. The regular ministers having failed to
reach the city, Mr. Bentley preached two sermons
from, " Prepare to meet thy God," and, " The end
of all things is at hand ; be ye therefore sober and
watch unto prayer." Great solemnity and awe
rested upon the congregation at the closing services,
and when they were invited to join in silent prayer
in the ebbing of the old year, not one in that
crowded assembly remained sitting, while many
prostrated themselves on the floor, crying for mercy.
Seven were converted in tlie church, and one, over-
whelmed by sin, knelt by the roadside, and while
prayer was offered at his instance by Mr. Jeremiah
Griffing and others, he entered into the rest of con-
scious pardon.
Ilis ministerial activity during the immediately
succeeding years is worthy of especial record. On
his tour to the West, he preached upwards of forty
sermons. Returning, and having convalesced, he
resumed preaching in this and contiguous towns,
Jewett City, Preston, Gales' Ferry, Ilncasville, &c.,
I'
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCn.
179
in all of which places his labors were attended with
more or less awakening.
A large number of persons have been baptized
by him, in this and otlier appointments. His views
upon the mode of its administration are liberal and
accommodated to the conscience of tlie candidates.
On May 16, 1819, he baptized eighteen in five
different positions : First, by immersing the can-
didate backward ; secondly, the candidate knelt in
suitable depth of water, and was immersed forward ;
thirdly, the baptism was performed by affusion, the
person kneeling in the water ; fourthly, by affusion,
the subject kneeling on the bank ; and lastly, the
rite was administered at the altar in the usual
manner, the same foimula being used in each case.
In fact, he seems to have shared an unusual cele-
brity in the matter of baptism, as he was often
invited by the regular pastors to perform this ordi-
nance, and the record of the subsecpient years is
signal for the number whom he thus initiated into
the church militant. To attempt a chronological
statement of the number baptized by him, would ill
consort with the character of this work, but. the
aggregate is not far from three hundred and forty,"^*
many of whom remained faithful to their profession,
and received funeral rites at the same hand. Two
thousand and twenty-six personsf have been com-
mitted, " dust to dust, aslies to ashes," by him,
Two luiDdred and six immersions,
f Four hundred funeral discourses.
J
180
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
whose services have been so memorable at the
bridal,'^* the font, and the grave. Probably no
minister in Norwich has ever attended an equal
number of funerals, at many of which, especially in
the rural districts, sermons were delivered, a prac-
tice still observed in numerous portions of the
country. His Tabors are redolent of such instances
as the following, only a few of which can be given :
"1840.— This year, Father Fuller of Lisbon, Mother Taylor of
Jewett City, and Father Perry of Bean Hill, all died in great peace,
whose mortal remains 1 committed to the grave."
"1841. — In July, I was called up to Plainfield to attend the
funeral of Rev. Hezekiah Thatcher, Avho was killed on the railroad
near that place. November 10th, the funeral of our dearly beloved
sister, Hannah Fuller, at the Landing. December 5th, similar
mournful services for our greatly respected brother, J. 0. Hopkins,
at the Falls."
"1842. — Sister Harriet Allen, in the city. She was a lovely
little woman. March 31, I was called to sympathize with our dear
brother and sister Woodward at the Falls, in performing the last
services over their loved little Daniel."
" 1844. — In the city our highly esteemed and much loved Vister,
Mary Winchester. There was as much of the milk of human
kindness flowing through her soul as in any other person that
came within my acquaintance or observation." *
*'184'7. — August 17. This day I performed the funeral obsequies'
of brother Nahum Fay. He was a good man, and died in the
faith."
" 1849. — October 2. Funeral of brother James J. Hyde. A Chris-
tian of many trials. Peace to his ashes. February 10, sister
Diantha Hopkins at the Falls. She was one of the most lovely,
kind, and piously devoted of women. February 2 1, funeral solem-
* Four hundred and twenty-five marriages.
IIISTOKY OF THE FREE CIIUKCn.
181
nities of the^venerablo Deacon Congdon, a little below Uncasville. I
remember of hearing him exhort after Bishop Asbury had preached,
at New London. He said when he was a boy, liis father was a
carpenter, and his business was to stand on the other side of the
work, and when his father drove the nails through, he stood there
ready to clinch them. He died full of faith, and the joy of heaven
anticipated."
'M851. — July 29. This day the serious duty of performing the
sad and mournful services at the funeral of our highlj^ esteemed
brother, Jesse Fuller. Ho was the principal acting steward from
1829, to his removal by death, a man very much respected and
beloved by all the community, and lamented by all tlie church.
He was the son of the venerable Ebenezer Fuller of Lisbon, one of
the first Methodists in that vicinity. He experienced religion in
1829. I baptized and took him into the church at the Falls, Sep-
tember 27, 1829."
*' 1846. — July 12. Sister Polly Setchel, aged sixty-six years. She
was highly esteemed and beloved."
1851. — October 8. I consigned to the grave the mortal remains
of sister Nancy Butler. She was a consistent member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in this city for about forty years."
"1854. — April 20. I gave an address at the funeral of brother
William Fletcher, one of the first Methodists at Norwich Falls; a
good consistent Christian, pious and peaceable in his life, resigned
and happy in death. July 27, brother Elbridge Gr. Allen. Ho
was a warm-hearted Christian, and has gone to his reward in
heaven."
" 1855. — February 19. I was called to attend the funeral of my
old friend, Mr. Russell Lamphere, at the Falls. He was the father
of our respected brother William Lamphere. October 10, I com-
mitted the lifeless form of Samuel, son of our highly esteemed
brother Samuel Carter, to the last resting-place. He was a lovely
boy. November 26, I was again invited to the house of death,
where, robed in the habiliments of the grave, lay our beloved sister,
Anna D. Francis, where I offered prayer, and at the grave resigned
'dust to dust,' while Rev. C. Payne preached the funeral sermon
at the Bethel. She lived much beloved and died greatly lamented."
182
HISTORY OF THE FREE CIIURCIT.
*'1857. — March 22, attended the funeral of our aged sister,
Hannah Crawley, of the East Main Street Church, in the eighty-
seventh year of her age. * Blessed are the dead which die in the
Lord.' July 3, the funeral of sister Mary Lester, aged fifty-seven
years. She was an excellent member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at the Palls. She was a lady of more tliau ordinary intel-
lectual faculties, with a nice sense of propriet3^ September 11,
sister Olive Kiugsley, a worthy member of the East Main Street
Church, aged sixty-four years. She lived a holy life, and died in
the faith of a glorious immortality. October 23, funeral obsequies
of widow 'Betsey Griffing, aged eighty-five years. She was the
wife of our lamented brother Jeremiah Gritfing, the old faithful,
untiring class-leader at the Landing.*'
"1860. — On receiving tidings of the death of our venerable mother
Vashti Clark, it was thought that some public expression of re-
spect to her memory should be shown by the church, in appropriate
funeral services in the sanctuary. Sabbath, August 31, I was
called on to give an address and oifer prayer. Mother Clark died at
Binghamton, N. Y., August 27, in the ninety-eighth year of her
age, all ripe for glory. My wife and I visited her between two and
three weeks before her death, when we found her as near heaven
as a mortal could be here in the flesh."
" 18G1. — September 25. "Was called up to Bean Hill to attend the
funeral of brother Jesse Calkins, aged sixty-five, who had been a
member of the Methodist p]piscopal Church for more than forty
years."
" 18G3. — March 4. Sister Eunice Hebard, wife of brother George
Hebard. She w^as a respected, member of the Methodist Episcopal
Free Church of this city."
" 1864. — March 5. I attended the funeral services of sister De-
borah B. Crandall, at Norwich Falls. She was the wife of Rev.
Phineas Crandall, of the New England Conference, and daughter of
the venerable Mother Cady, of blessed memory. Sister Crandall
was some of the fruit of my early labors in Jewett City. I bap-
tized and took her into the church June 17, 1821. Her maiden
name was Tinkham. She was an excellent specimen of a Methodist
preacher's wife — blessed with a good understanding, chaste, indus-
i
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 1S3
trioiis, economical, affectionate, and pious — a true helpmate for a
man in the ministry."
" 18G5. — February 2G. Tliis day I was called to mingle my tears
of sympathy and grief with my nepliew, Doctor Edwin Bentley,
as the funeral services of his deceased wife were being performed
at East Main Street Church. Rev. Daniel Wise of New York
preached a most admirable discourse, happily adapted to the be-
reaved husband and daughters, and all the mourning relatives,
while the whole densely packed congregation seemed to participate
in the general feeling of sympathy and bereavement. At the grave,
by request, I performed the burial service, committing the body to
the ground, * earth to earth, ashes to ashes.' "
" 1866. — July 31. In connection with Rev. I. Bidwell and other
ministers, participated in the funeral solemnities of sister Henri-
etta Truman, consort of brother J. B. Truman, of this city.
Brother Bidwell gave a most gratifying address on the occasion,
setting forth in a clear and lucid manner the long and useful
Christian life and peaceful death of sister Truman. Sho, with her
husband, came to reside in Norwich something over forty years
ago."
1867. — January 22. This day I was called to Preston, to attend
the funeral solemnities of our old brotlier, Robert Palmer, eighty-
nine years old. Brother Palmer was a most exemplary Christian.
He had been feeble in body for a long time. I visited him in the
fall; found him confined to his room, ready to depart and be with
Christ, which, he expressed, would be far better. His earthly
tabernacle was taken to the old city cemetery, with other mem-
bers of the family, to remain until Gabriel's trump shall wake a
slumbering world."
" Our beloved Brother Griffing, our good old class-leader,
departed this Hfe March 13, 1825, aged fifty-four years. He
was among the early Methodists in the Landing, although his resi-
dence was nearly two miles up town, on the Scotland road ; yet
he would walk down to the Landing to attend his class-meetings
Saturday evenings, and back, and also prayer meetings, beside
those of the Sabbath. He possessed n remarkably pleasant Chris-
tian spirit. I sat up with him the night before his departure for
184 HISTORY OF THE FREE CIIUROH.
the heavenly land. lie had been a little depressed in spirit in the
early part of his sickness, but when he came to look the dread
monster in the face, he did not quail. While I was praying with
him, the morning before I left, ho seemed in quite an ecstasy of
joy and glory, saying: 'Now I am ready; come, Lord Jesus.' "
" Just six days after Brother Grifhng's funeral, I was called to
attend the funeral solemnities of our dear old mother in Israel,
Mrs. Sarah Carew, aged eighty-six years. Mother Carew was one
of the first class that was formed on Bean Hill. At her house I
used to go and spend the intermission, when I went to meeting in
the Academy. She was a lovely old lady. We always addressed
her ns ' Mother Carew.' There was no place in that vicinity
where the preachers could go and feel themselves at home as at
' Mother Carew's.' "
" 1834. — January 9, I committed to the dust the mortal remains
of our dear old sister Davison, in the sixty-third year of her age."
" Called to deliver a discourse in tlie East Main Street Church, on
the death of our venerable father in Israel, Andrew Clark, who
died in Camdem, Oneida County, New York, July 10, 1839, aged
about eighty years."
" 1835. — August 10, I performed the funeral service of sister
Williams, consort of the late venerable Solomon Williams, of Bean
Hill, one of the early Methodists of that place. She was seventy-
one years old. Two years after, September 2, 1837, I performed
like mournful services at the funeral of Father Williams also,
aged eighty-one years."
March 16. — I attended the funeral services of brother Seth
King, aged fifty-six years. Brother King was a Christian of very
genial feelings, a great singer^ and when religion did not make him'
happy enough to sing^ he was quite proue to get into Doubting Gas-
He. But one spiritual song would generally bring him out all right."
July 15. — I was called to officiate at the funeral of ^Mother
Thu7'ber,^ of Poquetanoc, eighty years old. I attended the funeral
of her husband, Luther Thurber, twelve years before, in his
eighty-eighth year. They were both members of the Metliodist
Episcopal Church in this city. Brother Thurber made his own
coffin a number of years before his death."
I
HtSTOEY OF THE FEEE CHTJROH,
185
" 1835, May 11. — This day I attended the funeral solemnities of
Brother Clark Summers, at the Falls. Brother Summers was an
industrious^ piom, and peaceable member of the M. E. Church,
aged forty-eight years."
The originality and versatility of his mental
faculties in the bygone, may be seen from an
account of a sermon preached at a camp-meeting,
held at Thompson, 1818, transcribed from his
pen :
"On the afternoon of Thursday, there was an unusual large con-
gregation on the ground. The preacher appointed for that service
being sick, the congregation became exceedingly restless, when
Brother Hyde came to me, and said the Presiding Elder wished me
to go on the stand, and, if possible, collect the scattered attention
of the people. I then held a * Commission of the Peace ' in the
State. J told tlie Presiding Elder that my mind bad been so occu-
pied with the order of the meeting that I was ill prepared for the
occasion."
" Well, then," I replied, "If I mv^t^ you commence the ser voices
by singing and prayer, while I collect my thoughts and select a
text. I retired into the grove some eight minutes, and, as the
introductory prayer was closing, I went on to the stand and gave
out a hymn. The meeting, thus far, had been almost surfeited
with most excellent preaching. Brother Fish, then a young man
just out of college, had given them a beautiful discourse on the
^ Love of God in human Redemption f Brother 2. C. Taylor, on the
* Feast of the fatted Calf;' Brother E. C. Blake, on ' The Judgment
of the last Day f Brother Bates, on ^Backsliding.'* As I stood up
to read my text, I remarked that, when a company had been enter-
tained at a great feast^ and fed with all the delicacies that the occa-
sion could afford, even unto surfeiting, there would be a difficulty
in furnishing another table with such articles as would be desira-
ble to the taste. So with this large congregation. You have been
served with almost every variety of gospel food^ the nutritious
186
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
Lamh, and the delicacy of the fatted calf. I thought while the
preliminary services were being performed, I would go out into the
thick forest and catch a wild bird, called a partridge. And now
I will try to dress it, and make you a dish of savory broth. By
this time I had gained the attention of nearly all within hearing.
I announced my text, Jer. xvii. 11 : * As the partridge sitteth on eggs
and hatcbeth them not, so he that getteth riches, and not by right,
shall leave them in the jnidst of his days, and at his end shall bo
a fool.' I illustrated the text by the conduct of Pharaoh, getting
riches by the unrighteous servitude of the Hebrews in Egypt,
and his folly, exemplified in his destruction in the Red Sea. Also,
in the case of Haman, Absalom, Ahab, and many others of their
time, with Herod and Judas, all who died as the ^fool dieth.'' As
soon as I got through, Lorenzo Dow came running on to the stand,
and continued to apply the subject to wicked men for about fifteen
minutes, when penitents were called forward for prayers. They
came from every part of the congregation, numbering from eighty
to one hundred, and more than thirty were converted before that
prayer meeting was dismissed."
The value of his presence in the chamber of
death, where he has initiated into the spiritual
Cliurch by baptism a number of the irrecoverably
sick, is instanced by the following, of 1822 :
A lady in Poquetanoc, being sick, and having some premoni-
tion of lier approaching dissolution, sent for me to come and visit
her. I found her calm and considerate, a hectic flush on her
cheek. With the utmost composure of mind, she said: *l have
been prayerfully considering my condition. I have no thought
that I shall ever get well, and I want to be prepared to goto
heaven when I leave this world. The last time I went to meeting
I heard you say we must be born again, or neyer go to heaven.
You explained to us how we must become new creatures in Christ,
and here in this chamber I have tried to do as you said. I have re-
signed myself, my husband, and my little babe, and all I have, to the
HISTORY OF THE FREE CIITJRCn,
187
will of my lieavenly Father. I feel that he has accepted the offer-
ing through Christ, who stood before the throne of the Father for
me. I feel Him to be my Saviour, and He has said, 'Whatsoever
is bound on earth is bound in heaven.' I have sent for you to
come and initiate me into the church, by the solemn rite of the
baptismal vow, and to have my name enrolled with the people of
God in the church book. After that, I desire to commemorate the
death and sufferings of my Saviour, by partaking of the syrnbols of
the broken body and shed blood of my crucified Lord, when I shall
bo ready and willing to depart and be with Christ my Lordl' I
then asked her what day I should come and attend to iho^e duties.
She replied, ''Now ; I may not Hve to see another day.' In about
half an hour, some six or eight persons came in, while preparation
was made for the occasion. Without any ritual I performed the
baptismal rite in the accustomed way by sprinkling, while it did
appear that the Jloly Ghost was manifestly present, and sealed the
vow. After this, I administered the Holy Eucharist, and that
upper chamber seemed tlie ante-room of heaven. The lady sur-
vived this solemn dedication some ten days, and then fell asleep in
Jesus."
This abbreviated account of bis life cannot be
better concluded than in bis own language :
"It is now more than sixty-two years since I received my first
license to preach, although the world called ray labors ^preaching '
two or three years before. During all those many years, I never
have pocketed a dollar beyond my expenses of traveling to and
from my appointments. More than half of that time I kept a
team of my own. It may truly be said I have been the poor man's
minister. For more than sixty-three 3^ear3 I have held meetings at
the almshouse in this city, regularly once m three weeks, and,
when sick or absent, I have supplied a substitute. During that
length of time I have attended two hundred and three funerals at
the almshouse.
" 1 began the world with nothing but my hands. I have Uteralhj
labored seven days in the week for fifty years. Quito a number of
188
HISTORY OF THE FEEE CHURCH.
times, when I have been at work casting brass, a messenger has
called for me to go and attend a funeral three or six miles off.
Such calls, or something not altogether dissimilar, I have answered
in all the towns within twenty miles of my residence. And now,
if I can but see weeping penitents inquiring what they shall do
to be saved, and hear them shout the praise of a sin-forgiving
God, T think I shall feel like exclaiming, with Simeon, * Now lettest
Thou tiiy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy
salvation.' "
Mrs. Betsey Beiitley, the venerable consort of
Eev. David N. Bentley, was the fourth child of
Mr. James llogers, of Montville, Connecticut.
Her mother's maiden name was Miss Elizabeth
Howard. She was born August 9, 1790. Early
impressed with religious trutli, when only thirteen
years of age, she was deeply affected by the thought
that she was unprepared to meet the Judge, and
going to a Methodist meeting, where the Rev.
Nathan Emory preached,^ who was the first Meth-
odist minister ever seen by her, she felt the load
and burden of her sins, and could not eat nor §leep.
until the Lord had consciously forgiven her. She
was deeply convicted, until an old gentleman from
New London, called Father Bolles^'^ oi precious
memory, talked and prayed with her. He seemed
to divine just how she felt, and mercy's door was
opened at his prayer, the burden of sin rolled off,
and a sense of pardoning mercy gave joy and peace.
The next morning, all nature seemed to be praising
God. The little clouds fl.oating in the heavens
* 1805.
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
189
were full of glorify and, as she looked, the tall trees
seemed to bow their heads with reverence to their
great Creator. She says of this : " My poor heart
had the greatest reason to rejoice and praise God,
to think how Jesus suffered and died for me on the
cross, to procure my salvation. Oh ! how my young
heart overflowed with love and praise to Ilim^ my
Saviour. I loved him too well to keep it to myself.
I wanted to tell it to all around." She now became
deeply anxious for her father and others, and it
was not long before some were " brought into the
kingdom." Prayer-meetings were commenced at
her home, for,* before this, the family went four
miles to hear preaching, at a place called Quaker
Hill, at a house known in those times by the name
of " Aunt 'Becca Wheeler's." This house had
been kept for many years as a tavern, but after the
death of Captain AVheeler, the proprietor, the spa-
cious ball-room had become the preaching-place of
the Methodist itinerants, in their bi-weekly rota-
tion. ' - Aunt 'Becca " and her two younger sisters
now kept the house as a place for holding Method-
ist meetings, and entertaining the itinerant preach-
ers. Here " Father Bolles and Fatlier Potter,"
from New London, held prayer and class meetings.
Here Mrs. Bentley first joined the class, and at
this tender age appears to have acquired an unusual
religious experience. Braving darkness and dis-
tance, if not danger, these miles were traversed
with an ease which finds few parallels to-day.
190
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
She early encountered much trial in trying to
live religious before a large family, some elder and
some younger, as she did not join them in their
sports, but chose, rather, the place of prayer. To
quote her :
" I had given up all such things for Christ. I found more solid
comfort in the service of my Saviour than in all the vain pleasures
of the world, which novv had no charms for me. Under these cir-
cumstances, I had no one to help me in the way to heaven ; but,
oh! that blessed Bible was a light to my feet and lamp to my path.
I had no Sabbath-scliool books nor teacher, but Jesus was my
teacher, and the blessed Bible was my school-book, and it taught
me, especially when I read it on my knees, to take my cross and
follow Jesus in the way. The words of this heavenly Teacher, in
His sermon on the mount, made a deep and lasting impression on
my mind."
" I used frequently to go away alone, behind a great rock, and
pour out my childish complaints to my heavenly Father, and my
blessed Saviour would always draw near, and bless and comfort
mo. Sometimes I would'tako my little brother, about eight years
old, between daylight and dark, and go out beside a high wall,
where a largo apple-tree, with its spreading branches, covered the
place ; there wo would kneel down, right in the snow, llow piany
good seasons we used to have in that place. That dear brother
now is in Ileaven with the shining ones."
At the age of sixteen she went to New Lon-
don upon a visit, and passed the Sabbath. There
was a love feast in the morning, the tirst she
had ever witnessed. It was almost an epoch
in her experience, and she says : " It was a
time of great spiritual enjoyment' and satisfaction
to my youthful soul. I went home a great deal
stronger in the Lord than ever before." Slie felt
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 191
that it was her privilege as Avell as duty, at all
suitable times, to speak and pray in the meetings,
and was greatly blessed in so doing. December
31, 1808, she was n)arried to Mr. AVilliam Cally-
han, of New London, and, in January, 1809, with
her husband, came to Norwich, where he com-
menced business at the Landing. There were no
Methodist meetings nearer than Norwich North,
where frequently she attended on the Sabbatli,
until August, 1811, when Ilev. J. Chancy came on
the circuit, and formed a small class at the Land-
ing, of which she was an original member. After
the meeting-house on the Wharf Bridge was car-
ried away by the flood, the distance rendered it
inconvenient to attend evening meetings at the
Falls, so, for more than seven years, until the East
Main Street Church was built, prayer-meetings were
held at her residence, on Water Street, opposite
Norton Brothers' store.
Twice she was brought to death's door by sick-
ness— once for forty days. The physician gave
her up to die, yet she felt resigned, having rather
a " desire to depart, and be with Christ ;" and
on that bed of languishing could say, " Give
joy or griefs give ease or pain, take life or friends
away." Recovering in some measure from that
state of total prostration, she gave up house-
keeping, and boarded with ' her daughter and
son-in-law, Mr. John A. Robinson, now of New
London.
192 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
In 1833 she was called, in the providence of God,
to undergo a very sad and grievous trial of that
Christian grace which submits unrepiningly to the
divine government under all circumstances, saying,
" Thy will be done." Her 07ily son^ having made
several voyages to different parts of the world, in
September sailed from New York for Norfolk, Vir-
ginia. Third day out, in a rough sea, the vessel
pitching lieavily, he went aloft, fell from the yard-
arm, and was never seen afterwards.
She was called to attend the remains of her first
husband, Mr. William Callyhan, to their sepulture,
March 20, 1852. lie was converted early in life.
After completing his apprenticeship, he came to
Norwich in 1807, and set up as tinman, beginning
with nothing but his hands and a few tools. AVith
indefatigable industry and strict economy, he soon
began to enlarge his business, until, at his death, he
was possessed of considerable property. Mr. Cally-
han was remarkably reticent in his business andsocial
relations, scrupulously honest in his dealings, kind-
hearted, and generous to tlie poor. He was one of
the eleven members wliich formed tlie first Metho-
dist Episcopal Church in Norwicli City, in 1811 —
an excellent class-leader, which office he sustained
the greater part of his life with much acceptability.
He was not a man of many Avords, yet his prayers
and exhortations were ardent and eftective. , As his
physical health declined, his spiritual health seemed
to increase unto the last.
HISTORY OF THE FKEE CHURCH.
193
Having sustained the relation of widowhood for
nearly one and a half years, Rev. David N. Bent-
ley proffered his hand. After making it a subject
of prayer for direction^ the overtures being mutu-
ally accepted, tlie connubial tie was consummated
July 31, 1854. It was emphatically a union of
hearts, experiences, and joys. Hymen smiles on
few better nuptials, where marriage is the strictest
tie of perpetual friendship," and sweetens ^' even
the loneliness of declining years."
Amid the sick, bereaved, unfortunate, penitent,
poor, and dying, she has moved little less than a
ministering angel. Sorrow has eagerly sought her
unsparing condolence ; poverty halted expectantly
at her door ; deatli has lost his arrows amid her
prayere ; despair has stolen relief from her hope-
fulness, and penitence changed to pardon at the
voice of her faith.
Permit the writer to say that it has not been
easy to elicit the data of her life. Her. memory
has been too full of gratitude at every turn to
dwell on matters of fact. Salvation, and not chro-
nology ; the eternal, not temporal ; heaven, not
Norwich ; Jesus, not Betsey Bentley, has been the
version of most conversations, undertaken with a
view of history.
Kev. Lorenzo Dow Bentley, son of Rev. D. N.
Bentley and Mrs. Letitia Bentley, w^as born in
Norwich, February 13, 1813. lie was powerfully
convicted of sin in the month of May after his
9
194
niSTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
fourth year, and though he may not have experi-
enced conversion, he became fond of prayer and
loved to kneel in the sanctuary with God's people.
He took especial delight in accompanying his
father into the pulpit, and was early impressed that
he should some day proclaim the Gospel. When
about ten years of age, he began to grow ashamed
of such matters, and imbibed the view that is so
prevalent among worldlings, that the services of
religion are humiliating, not elevating. At sixteen
he became very skeptical, by witnessing a play in a
New York theater representing ^' the Hypocrite."
He says: '^It seemed so real at the time that I
shed tears; but when I began to think that the
actor was representing a hypocrite, I concluded
all might be such." He became confirmed in his
infidelity by his nineteenth year, on reading the
Age of Reason," abstaining from religious meet-
ings and prayer, even at funerals, his disinclination
becoming so great that he pitied the Evangelical
and Romanist professors." He was convinced of
the inspiration of the Scriptures, and consequent!}^
of the Christian religion, by reading an account of
the death of General Jackson, and the scenes that
immediately preceded it. He sought and obtained
pardon under the labors of Elder Jabez Swan, now
of New London, whom many shall rise up in the
last day to call ^' blessed."^ His conversion took
* Mr. L. D. Bentley calls him " that mighty man of God."
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 195
place January 8, 18iQ, and in a few weeks after he
commenced holding meetings among the " Long
Society," of Preston, where upwards of forty asked
prayers on one occasion. During the ensuing fall,
he went, under direction of the Presiding Elder,
Eev. R. "W. Allen, to Mancli ester, in this State, to
supply the vacancy occasioned by the decease of
Rev. V. Osborn. Here a revival attended his vig-
orous labors, and more than seventy-five professed
to pass from " death to life." Soon after, he joined
the Providence Conference on probation, and was
appointed to Tolland, Connecticut, where a similar
number of conversions took place. For his labors
at Manchester he received no stipend, and at the
latter place only one hundred dollars. The year
following he went to Westerly, Rhode Island,
where he received one hundred and sixty-five dol-
lars, and many souls. In 18-i9-'50 he was stationed
at Gurleyville, Connecticut, where the work of
God was especially glorious. Marlborough next
claimed his labors, where, as usual, a revival blessed
the consecrated efforts of his devotion and faith.
At Fisherville, his pastorship was blessed to that
feeble station, which has since greatly improved,
and at Danielsonville, where the two succeeding
years were passed — less smoothly, perhaps — the
Lord still sealed his ministry. In the following
year, he preached with great success at Warehouse
Point, Connecticut, and, upon solicitation, was
appointed to his native city the year after, where,
196 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
amid external reverses, he saw his highest ambition
realized in the salvation of souls.
From Norwich he went, for two years, to Gales's
Ferry ; thence to Wapping, Connecticut, for one
year. In his questionable language, he says :
" The year spent here was consumed in working
for God, and against Buchanan, the devil, slavery,
rum, and rebellion, and the ' Hartford Times,'
with an occasional shot at ^ Annihilationists ' and
Calvinism !"
He was next at Moodus, Connecticut, and, after
one year, was stationed for two years at Eastford,
which appointment he filled with great acceptabil-
ity and success. His last appointment was " Mont-
ville and Salem," and the year after (1866), he was
appointed Conference Missionary, and has been
almost constantly enjoying revivals — his "beau
ideal " of ministerial success.
Mr. Bentley is characterized by fervor, sincerity,
faith, a spirit of sacrifice for Christ and souls, plain-
ness, tenderness, decision, and spirituality. His call
to the ministry being highly satisfactory, he bor-
rows his real support from God, and although he is
not unappreciative of kindness on the part of others,
extolled or defamed, his guidon for victory is
planted by celestial hands. If Minerva and the
Penates have not always smiled upon him, still, in
spite of difficulties and temporary discouragements,
he has won the respect of the impartial and pious,
and in the event of death, can hardly fail to be
HISTORY OF THE FBEE CHURCH. 197
escorted home by many whom he influenced to
Christ and peace, V(ho shall lighten his feet over
the rugged steeps of mortality.
Divine Providence has been especially manifest
in his life. In cliildliood he was saved from death
by fire ; several times in youtli, from death by
drowning ; and repeatedly he has been low with
sickness. The appeals of his dying sister Harriet,
and the prayers of his eldest brother, were emi-
nently sanctified in the days of his infidelity.
When hesitating concerning his call to the sacred
desk, he knelt in prayer, and opened the Bible to
these words : " Son of man, I have made thee a
watchman unto the house of Israel ; therefore hear
the word at my mouth, and give them warning
from me. When I say unto the wicked. Thou shalt
surely die, and thou givest him not warning, nor
speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way
to save his life ; the same wicked man shall die in
his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine
hands." He promised the Holy Spirit to enter at
once upon the active service of the ministry, if
some one should " buy him out," and before noon
this disposition of his property was effected. At
Mansfield, a notorious infidel, exasperated by some
remarks made in reference to his rum-shop, engaged
some " lewd fellows of the baser sort to ride him on
a rail," but their carriage broke down on the way,
and fatally delayed the scurrilous expedition, which
was subsequently disclosed by one of their number,
198 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
who was converted. The infidel died betimes,
crying for mercy from the Jesus lie had persecuted
and His disciples whom he had abused. Mr.
Bentley testifies to the deep gratitude he cherishes
towards Mr. Alvin Carrier of Norwich, and Mrs.
Mary Buck of Glastonbury, for their sympathy and
influence with him in the struggle he had in refer-
ence to the abandonment of successful business, and
a comfortable life, for the limited pecuniary reim-
bursement and labor of the itinerancy. Is it any
wonder that after such experiences his work is
earnest, personal, and practical ; that he daubs
not with untempered mortar," and aims the arrows
of the Almighty straight at the heart of his hearers ?
If others should employ a different dress in the
presentation of truth, few will enjoy the conscious-
ness of a greater devotion and more general success
in leading souls to Christ. Ilis sentiments are
worthy to conclude : " The great secret of success in
winning souls to Christ is FAnn in God. Prepare
for the work in faith ; preach and pray, and exhort
in faith^ and invite sinners to use especial means
in faith ; and there will be a constant revival. No
winter's cold, nor summer's heat, nor power of
storm nor tempest, can limit the ^ Holy One of
Israel.' Nothing but unhclief and its coadjutors
can fetter the miracle-working hands of the blessed
Eedeemer."
Bev. Frank Wesley Bill^ eldest son of Phineas
HISTORY OF THE FREE CUTTRCH.
199
and Fanny (Gallup) Bill, was born in Groton, Conn.,
June 4, 1820.
He first attended school on Meeting-house Hill in
Groton. At ten years of age, the family having
removed to Norwich, he was employed in a cotton
factory, where he continued two or three years.
After this, he became an apprentice to a tailor, with
whom he worked nearly a year and a half, but
having become at tlie early age of fourteen a be-
liever in the Christian's hope, he could not rest
contented with any merely secular employment,
while thousands of his fellow-men were sinking
down to ruin.
After many inward struggles, he resolved to
become a minister of the Gospel. Application
being made to Mr. Ross, to whom he was appren-
ticed, his indentures were given up to him, and
having obtained aid from a few friends, he entered
the academy at Norwich, where he studied nearly
a year. To obtain greater advantages, he packed
his entire wardrobe and library in a jpocket-liand'
her chiefs and in company with a friend Avalked
from Norwich to Wilbraham, in Massachusetts — a
distance of some seventy-five miles by the common
road — and became a member of the Wesleyan
Academy at that place. During his stay there his
father died.
By teaching select schools at Endfield and
Somers in Connecticut, and in Longmeadow and
200 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHUKCU.
Ludlow, Massachusetts, he was enabled to defray
his expenses.
He preached his first sermon in the old Me-
thodist church at Norwich Falls, Conn., and was
ordained to the work of the ministry August 16,
1841.
Having faithfully performed the labors of a
preacher of the Gospel in the Methodist connection
in Norwich and elsewhere, for the space of ten
years, he was compelled in September, 1851, to
withdraw for a year from the service. During this
interval he traveled in Vermont and Canada,
preaching occasionally, and contributing to news-
papers. He was appointed October 11, 1852, to
the charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church in
South Fifth Street, Williamsburg, Long Island
This charge he held nearly two years, preaching,
with great acceptance to that people, and his labors
seemed here to have more than a usual harvest, but
having received an appointment from the American
Seamen's Friend Society as chaplain to seamen at
'Callao, a port of Lima, in Peru, South America,
he felt it to be, after much and prayerful thought,
his duty to accept the post, his people parting with
great reluctance from him, having greatly endeared
himself to them during the period of his ministra-
tion. He embarked June 20, 1854, in a steamer
for Aspinwall, on the Isthmus, where he arrived on
the 29th. Here he determined to remain for a
while, at the urgent solicitation of the Kev. Mr.
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 201
Rowell, who desired to pay a visit to the United
States. This was probably a fatal mistake, as the
season of the year — being nearly midsummer, and
his want of experience and acclimation in a tropical
country, sowed the seeds of those malarious fevers
which every summer season are sure to prevail, and
by which, a person from a temperate latitude is
greatly endangered. He was for a time prostrated
with a fever, yet not wholly confined, and while
here he kept up his usual correspondence with some
public journals of New York, his letters being
chiefly, however, found in the New York Sun and
the New York Times. On the 6th of October, and
after the return of Mr. Kowell, he at once left for
Callao. He was sick -on board of the steamer, but
able to keep about. On his arrival at Guayaquil,
he, with two companions, went ashore and remained
till after night-fall. lie was so prostrated and ex-
hausted by his journey, and the slow fever which
still clung to him, that he was now seized with the
deadly fever of tlie climate, and his life was the
sacrifice. He died at Callao, October 25, 1854,*
aged thirty-four years and four and a half months.
He married Miss Romena Cleveland, March 14,
1845. He had, hm^J^^r three children, on^ ^
lEjihitjlj^ -40- n son of uncommon promise, and is^ a
student at the New York College of Medicine.
Mr. Bill was a man of decided talent and of high
qualifications for doing good, and in his death
Christianity had cause to mourn. By his native
9*
202
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
energy he rose from humble life to a position of
high respect and influence. He was eminently a
self-made man. His public addresses were often
truly eloquent and impressive. Several of his
sermons have been printed. He was greatly be-
loved in the circle of his acquaintance. It was a
mysterious Providence by which he was cut down
when just entering on what promised to be a career
of distinguished usefulness.
CHAPTER X.
CONCLUSION.
Eev. Pardon T. Kenney, the Presiding Elder
under whose auspices this work has been committed
to press, and under whose administration the Method-
ist Episcopal churches of Norwich have been signally
prosperous, was born at New Bedford, Mass., Sep-
tember 5, ISIO, Mrs. Achsah Kenney, his mother,
was received into church fellowship holding him
in her arms. Mr. Phineas Kenney, his father, was
highly instrumental in the organization of the
M. E. Church in New Bedford. Pardon, at seven
years of age, was clearly convicted for sin, and tliree
years after obtained evidence of the divine accept-
ance through Christ. After two years, however,
his piety declined, and remained so to his nineteenth
year, when he was reclaimed; and immediately feel-
ing the need of knowledge, was accustomed to study
in the tailor's shop while he was engaged at his
trade. At majority he commenced business for
himself, but soon relinquished his financial plans
and reported at the Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbra-
ham, Mass. He had received exhorter's license
from Rev. R. D. Easterbrooks, preacher in charge
of Fair Haven Circuit, May 11, 1830. The
204
CONCLUSION.
Quarterly Conference of New Bedford Circuit,
November 8, 1830, under Rev. J. A. Merrill, Pre-
siding Elder, granted liini tlie license of Local
Preacher, which was renewed at AVilbraluun, May
Y, 1831, by Rev. O. Scott, and at Middletown,
April 5, 1832, by Rev. Laban Clark. In the fall of
the next year he entered the University at Middle-
town, and was a member of the class embracing
Revs. Abel Stevens, Stephen Cashing, and others.
An asthmatic difficulty, of long standing, became
aggravated, and compelled his departure from his
coveted studies. On reaching home he threw down
his hat, saying, " I'll sell myself for a sixpence."
He told his friends he had come 'Miome to die."
After the lapse of several months he was sufficiently
improved to go upon Harvard Circuit, where he
was recommended to the New England Conference,
which sat June, 1833, and at which he was ap-
pointed to Thompson Circuit. At the expiration
of six months, he was removed to AVorcester, !M^ass.,
whence, after about three months, he was trans-
ferred to Northbridge Circuit. He has filled the
following appointments ; 1834, Hebron Circuit ;
1835, East Windsor Circuit; 1836, Mystic; 1837,
Norwich North ; 1338-'39, Chicopee Falls; 1840-
'41, Willimantic ; 1842, located, going on a mission
to Key West, at the instance of brethren, where an
appointment was made permanent, and taken into
the Florida Conference ; 1844, readmitted to Provi-
dence Conference, and stationed at Manchester;
CONCLUSION.
205
lS45-'46, Mystic Bridge; 184:7, Westerly Mission;
1818, Falmouth; 1819, East Harwich;' 1850-^51,
Provincetown Centre ; 1852-'53-'54:-'55, Presiding
Elder of Sandwich District; 1856-'57, North Man-
chester; 1858~'59, Stafford Springs; 1860-'61,
New Bedford, Allen St. ; 1862-'G3-'64:-'65, Presi-
ding Elder of Sandwich District; 18G6, Presiding
Elder of New London District. In tlie time of his
ministry on the East Windsor Circuit, the meeting-
house was finished at Wapping, Conn., and also at
Ilazardville. A preacher from the New York Con-
ference, visiting Wilbraham, inquired if the people
knew of anybody who had lost a meeting-house, as
he had fallen in with one down in the pines, mean-
ing the one built in Ilazardville, located on a site
from which the trees had just been removed. In
1816, while stationed at Mystic Bridge, he visited
Europe, passing through Great Britain, — ^a tour,
on tlie whole, attended with great interest and satis-
faction.
His ministry has been attended with much success.
His sermons are characterized by practicalness, a
lucid, natural treatment, points, fervor, and spiritu-
ality.
Rev. J. Ellis Hawkins, incumbent pastor at
Greenville M. E. Church, was born in Wrentham,
Massachusetts, January 11, 1837, of pious parents,
who early impressed his mind w^ith religious truth.
He was converted in the winter of 1856, and after
omitting duty in a measure, he renew^ed his vows
206
CONCLUSION.
and consecration in Cumberland, R. I. Rev. Abel
Gardner, '*of precious memory," baptized and
received him into church fellowship. Certified of
God that a " dispensation of the Gospel was com-
mitted " to him, after some hesitancy, and more
trouble of mind, he threw up a lucrative business,
and commenced to prepare for the great work of
proclaiming Christ, by faithful study for a number
of years. He took exhorter's license, July' 2-i,
1859, and the Quarterly Conference of Cumberland
granted the license of Local Preacher, February
16, 1862. He joined the Providence Conference
in 1862, and was appointed to Iladdam Neck two
years, where he labored with great acceptability.
Ordained Deacon at New London by Bishop Ames,
in 1864, and Elder at Bristol, R. L, by Bishop
Thomson, in 1866, he was stationed at the Green-
ville M. E. Church, in 1864, where his ministry
will be deeply cherished.
Rev. Edgar F. Clark was born in South Windsor,
Connecticut, September 12, 1835, of pious parents,
and converted at thirteen, under the winning min-
istry of Rev. L. Collins. Next to home, he was
deeply indebted to the lamented Mr. James B.
"Wood, his first- class-leader, lately deceased at
North Manchester, Connecticut, — a layman of
unlimited usefulness, — for encouragement and influ-
ence in his primitive experience. He was early
impressed that the ministry was divinely designated
for future occupation, and a conviction of its reality
CONCLUSION. / 207
has done much in after time to indemnify his con-
duct against vacillation in the questionables of
ministerial life. License to preach was given him
at Wapping, in a Quarterly Conference, held July
15, 1854, Rev. B. Otheman, Presiding Elder. It
was during the pastorate of Eev. Roger Alber-
son, who will long be remembered by some of the
inhabitants of Pleasant Yalley," for a matter
that occurred in the " old school-house " of that
locality. ^' Five o'clock " meetings were often held
at that place, in which, after a sermon, the laity
occupied, often with great power and success. On
one occasion, Mr. Alberson had appointed such a
meeting, but the Adventists had preoccupied the
room, commencing, just previously to his arrival,
with a very fluent young minister of that persua-
sion. The minister labored, with considerable elo-
quence, to substantiate the doctrine of the soul's
dependence on material organization for existence
or consciousness, and at the close of his .sermon
gave a most cordial invitation for a further consid-
eration of the subject. Mr. Alberson arose, and,
after apologizing to his own congregation for the
non-fulfillment of his notice, accepted the young
man's ofter, and entered upon a very effective dis-
cussion of the subject. The young man ^Mabored
hard at the oars," but his matter-of-fact opponent
plied reason and Scripture with superior effect,
when, as if appealing to an invincible argument,
he informed the audience that he had been study-
208
CONCLUSION.
ing the Greek Testament nearly two years, and
only regretted tliat he was not provided with one
to furnish an unanswerable answer from the Greek
word psuche {(^'o^t]), evidently not dreaming that a
Greek Testament could be found in that rural
assembly. A young man, however, with much
sincerity, drew forth a very legible copy of the
desired book, and, passing to the speaker, presented
it to him for his use. An unwonted interest at
once seized the company, and a general expectancy,
when, to the sorrow of his friends, and the high
enjoyment of Mr. Alberson and his co-thinkers, he
was unable to make any use of the object he had
provoked, and, in laying it down, under evident
perturbation, elicited a general sensation on all
sides. Mr. Alberson, taking it up subsequently,
made good and lasting use of it in his explication
and application ot pneuma {nvsu/ia) to the field of
discussion, and often refers, in later time, to ^' that
Greek Testament."
Young Edgar, after fitting for college, in the
academies of South Manchester and South Wind-
sor, under indifferent health, entered the Biblical
Institute at Concord, in the fall of 1854, from
which, with an interruption by sickness of a year,
he graduated in the class of '57." During this
time he preached but little, giving himself to con-
tinuous study. Eeturning to Farmington, Con-
necticut, whither his father had removed, he sup-
plied the pulpit of the M. E. Church of that town
CONCLUSION.
209
until the spring temi of the Wesleyan University,
when he entered upon a collegiate course of study,
graduating in the ''class of '01." Daring his stay
at Middletown he preached at Berlin, Kensington,
Southington, Yernon Depot, and Farmington, until
ill health compelled a cessation of ministerial
effort. The latter part of the Conference year,
1861, he supplied the M. E. Church of his native
place, where sickness had disabled Rev. Sewall
Lamberton. Entering the Providence Conference
in 1862, he was appointed to Norwich Main Street
two years, then removed to Norwich Sachem Street
three years. April 23, 1862, he married Miss Julia
M. Woodruff, of Farmington, Connecticut.
In the Annual Conference of 1863, he was ques-
tioned as to his orthodoxy, particular reference
being had as to the doctrine of hell and sympathy
among celestial beings^ God included. His particu-
lar views on hell, as excepted to, are expressed in
the language of Mr. Watson, the great defender
and expositor of Methodism. " In the Hebrew
Scriptures, the word sheol frequently occurs, and
uniformly," he thinks, "denotes the state of the
dead in general, without regard to the virtuous or
vicious characters of the persons, their happiness
or misery." " The confusion that has arisen on this
subject has been occasioned, not only by our Eng-
lish translators having rendered the Hebrew word
sheol^ and the Greek word gehenna^ frequently by
the term hell, but the Greek word hades^ which
210
CONCLUSION.
occurs eleven times in the New Testament, is, in
every instance except one, translated by the same
English word, whicli it ouglit never to have been."
{Dictionary^ p. 445.) Ilis view of celestial sympa-
thy, as instanced in Divinity, may be given in the
language of tlie same writer. "The Scriptufes
nowhere warrant us to consider God as a cold,
metaphysical abstraction. "^^ They teach us to
consider them as answering substantially^ though
not circumstantially, to the innocent affections of
men and angels. The ground of * *
all imitation of God in his mercy and compassion^
is laid in every part of the Word of God," &c.
{Institutes, vol. i. pp. 392, 396.)
At two successive conferences questions were
formally presented to liim, touching theological
matters, but in no case condemning his views.
Methodism in Norwich has done much more than
her ecclesiastical records betoken. In consonance
with tlie rest of New England, many of her tenets
are practically adopted outside of her pale, and
Arminian and Calvinistic presentations of Christ
are so nearly harmonized, that a metropolitan con-
vention or general conference is required to array
the distinctives. Calvinism has invested Jehovah
with autocracy and dignity, Methodism has intro-
duced Christ to human receptivity and experience ;
Calvinism has crowned Him Lord over all, Method-
ism has cast up a highway to ^ndyrom the Divin-
ity ; the former has intensified the reverential, the
CONCLUSION.
211
latter has cultivated the fiducial ; one elevates God,
the other man ; and both liave been siiie gtcd nons in
the religious progress of humanity. Methodism
was never more credible, and credited ; Calvinism
was never more liberal and practical. In one
respect, at least, the former should learn of the
latter, in this city. In the latter, wealth and influ-
ence serve in the activities of the Church. It is
honorable for honor to honor Christ, and few
instances will be found comparable to the example
of our devoted ex-Governor Buckingham, who
advances upwards from the highest chair of State
to the altar of penitents and prayer, and there, by
unconscious acts of sympathy and personal interest,
wins for himself not only the laurels of earth, but
of heaven. The pen refuses to ignore the illustra-
tion borrowed from the late war, without his
knowledge or consent. Just preceding the depar-
ture of a colonel, with his regiment, for the battle-
fields of Southern territory, in conversation, the
ex-Governor took occasion to impress upon the
colonel the need of Christ. So affected was the
officer by the earnestness and fidelity of his honored
acquaintance, that he commenced to seek divine
pardon, and, finding the Saviour, went forth to die
under the clouds of battle, without a moment's
warning of the lightning shaft that transmitted
him from duty to reward. Such examples should
be contagious. Let Methodism in this city respect
herself, as she is practically respected by others ;
212
CONCLUSION.
let her wealth and talent remember that the bouI is
the standpoint of the divine enterprise, and should
be of the human / let her social means of grace be
attended by all ; let her financials be under system ;
let piety be the coveted goal of her ambition, and
the reed of history shall, at some future time, com-
mit to faithful record the oncoming triumphs of
one of the most illustrous cohorts of God's militant
army.
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX A.
The following tables will be found invaluable for reference.
They contain the appointments of the ministry in Connecticut
from the first, until 1800. This is followed by the appoint-
ments of New London Circuit from that time until Norwich
Circuit was formed, which is continued until the several
Methodist Episcopal churches of the city are constituted.
Facts interesting for reference and comparison are supple-
mented.
ClECUIT.
Elder or
Presiding Elder.
Ministry.
17S9
1790
1791
1792
Stamford .. .
FuirHeld ...
New Ilftven,
Hartford . . .
Fairfield ...
Hartford . . .
Middleficld.
Litcbfleld ..
Fairfield ...
Freeborn Garret tson.
Jesse Lee
Jacob Brush
Jesse Lee
John Bloodgood
John Lee
N. Ji. Mills
j N. n. Mills
) A. Hunt
j M. Kftinor
I Lemuel Smith, .
j John Allen
I G. Koberts
j Matthias Swain.
I James Covel . . .
) Joshua Taylor..
} Smith Weeks...
216
APPENDIX A.
Circuit.
Elder or
Prksidino Elder.
Ministry.
1792
1793
1794
1795
1796
Hartford . . .
Middletowu,
Litchfteld . .
Fairfield....
Hartford . . .
Middletown.
Litchfield ..
Tolland ....
NewLondon
Fairfield . . .
Middletown
Litchfield .
Tolland . . .
N. London
Middletown,
Litchfield .
Tolland. . . .
N. London
Pom fret. . .
Redding ..
Middletown.
Litchfield .
Tolland ...
N. London.
Pomfret. . .
Jacob Brush ,
Thomas Ware
Geo. Koberts
Jesso Lee . . .
Geo. Roberts
; F. Garrettson
S. Hutchinson
H. Hull )
G. Koberts V
F. Aldridgo )
K. Swain (
A. Hunt (
P. \Va«;er i
J. Coleman j
A. Hunt [
J. Coleman j
G. Pickering )
J. Hall f
J. Taylor (
li. Fisher f
L. Smith \
I). Ostraiider j
J. Lovell
G. Koberts )
K. Swain >
V. Aldridge (
Z. Kankey [
N. Snetheii )
M. K.-iinor \
D. Ostrander j
F. AMridge
James Covell
L. Smith
G. Pickering ;
W. Leo
1). Abbott
Z. Priest
K. Mudge
Evan Kofers
L. Ketch urn
J, Stoneman .
J. Mitchell
C. Spry
N. SiiL'then
A. G. Thompson
L. McCumbs
1>. Ostrauder
N. Chapin
D, Dennis
T. Dewey
J. Taylor
L. McCombs
D. Dennis {
W. Jiudd.
E. Rogers . . .
T. Coope
N. Cliapin , . .
T. Merritt. ..
J. Ketclium .
D. Urumly . .
APPENDIX A.
179C
1797
1798
1799
1800
Circuit.
Pwedding
Middli.'town
Litchlield .
Tolland ...
N, London
Poinfret. ..
Redding. . .
Middletown
Litchfield .
Kedding...
Tolland ...
N. London .
Pomfret . . .
Middletown.
Litchfield .
Uedding...
Tolland . . .
N. London.
Pomfret , . .
Middletown
Litchfield .
lieddlng ..
Tolland ...
N. Loudon
Pomfret...
Eldek or
Pia:sii)iNu Eldek.
F. Garrett son &c \
S. Hutchinson.. |
S. Hutchinson
S. Bostwlck . .
S. Hutchinson
S. Bostwick . .
F. Garrettson .
u
J. Brodhead . .
Ministry.
( E. Woolsoy. ..
) K. Lrt ds
i M. Coatc
] P. Jay MO
] E. Can field ...
■j W. Thatcher..
L. McCoinbs. .
( S. Bostwick . .
1 J. Nichols.. ..
I 8. Hull
I J. Crawford . .
] A. Joeelyn . . .
( D. Buck
A, Joeelyn . . .
j E. Stevens . . .
\ T. Bishop ....
W. Thatcher..
L. McConibs. .
j N. Chapin
■j 8. Lamb
j 1). Ostrandor .
] A. Heath
E. Stevens
A. Joeelyn . . .
1). Brown
1). Ostrander .
j L. McCornbs. .
■j A. Wood
W. Thatcht r .
j J. Coleman . . .
] K. Scarle
j A. Hunt
I E. Batchelor..
A. Joeelyn . , .
A.Wood
( D. Brumly . . .
I A. McLane . . .
D. Ostrander .
At this date we take np New London Circuit, which has
the following data. As will be seen, it was often united to
other Circuits, and variable in territory.
10
218
APPENDIX A.
MiNIBTRY.
2^. Loudon and
Pomfret united.
I P. Vaniiest )
4 P. Peck
[ J. Annis )
M. Ooate
A. Hunt
J. Nichols
W. Pickett
A. Wood ,
li. Hill
N. Emory
T. J i ran oil ,
E. Washburn ..,
G. Ki Non ii
I). Perry
T. Smith
G. li. Norris
J. Bonney
K. S tree ten
J. Lindscy ,
J. Winch
E, Marble
A. Stebbins.-
J. Chaney
15. Subin
J. Lewis
W. Banister
11. Bowzer
J. Steel
W. Marsh
F. Dane
V. Ofeborn
E. Streeter
N. Paine f
E. Blake (
D. Dorchester )
E. Blake )
J.McKee f
E. Hyde /
Z. Stewart f
E. Hyde /
J. McKee (
L. Bates j
L. Bennett J
L. Bates
Prkbiding Elutu.
Memheus.
. Brodhead.
Dr. Ostrander
T. Branch...
E. li. Sab in..
E. Ileddin-..
J. Winch.
Asa Kent.
E. Otis.
Keiv London and
J'ow/ret Circuits.
New L^ondon
Circuit reHumed.
3S0
899
8S2
374
373
m
C33
570
600
5S7
6SG *
608
922
8S8
649
1011
1011
In 1832, Norwicli Circuit was formed, the statistics of
which are suhjoined in the following Table.
* Now Loudon was made a station this year, the name of the Circuit contin-
uing uuchanged.
APPENDIX A.
'219
220
APPENDIX A.
r-» (>4 r-^ 1-1 i-l
<0 -rt<0 CO C10rf«3Tt<0»C/50'
I
4 pH^«d>4Ps&^
J ^ J t/)
h5
o rt rt c ^ S o rt o 5 o -5 cs o
fa ►J far
l_ 0)
3
APPENDIX A.
221
-VHOMJ
t— CI T-i C-l T-< CO
CO oor-o<NCcr)OOTfa>cooi-'»-»
e: 3 ^ _
p^' c/J d :z ►-i c/J ^ d aJ ^ h4 ^ ^ tt "-i' <i w c4 d w
Cot
rt »- ^
►JO/'.
" u ' ^ u. o"^
j O !^ ^ C ^
c: a; ^
2o>
35 ^
APPENDIX A.
-VUOMJ I
O o o
o o o <y) o . - . -
r-t a t Oi o* o Ci
o <^ 'n c-i 7* o o
= </• ^ J ^ -2 3 >.-^ : : :i
= .i: ^ .;S c- i: ^ c ^ .Si c.:i .
' c p^* ^ '-^ d ;^ « S ^ :d ^ o
C/' JO
fl ^ 5 C WH
C 2 o ^ •
APPENDIX A,
223
O O 00 O I- «c>
^ r-i r-s rt Ot
0> T- C
• rt r
. <N >^ji f-t ri »0
O C-l CC «
ti O I- ^ C-< CO
00 O 0» 0<
0» »0 •<♦< C CO o
^- o 00 00 I- ^
^4^
O S3
« ^ ^ o 5-^ f^; d
; : : : ^
• • c
*
a
c
' • 2
'. ?
G
: M
5
W 2 - 3 2 3 3 3
3 3 3::
: p
: - (« ^ -
; S
M. Cari
o
. d
Sc/2
224
APPENDIX A.
' .ti : n3 S ;5 b • S
APPKNDIX A.
225
The Conference at wliicli Rev. Jesse Lee was appointed to
Stamford Circuit was lield at New York, May 28 (?), 1789,
and forms the epoch of the Methodist economy in New Eng-
land. Bishop Asbury was present. The ensuing Conference
at New York was lield on Monday, October 4, 1790, which
Lee attended, and asked additional colleagues for the ministry
of New England, in which petition he was not allogetiier
unsuccessful. The same Bishop presided. It should' be stated
that the primitive *'New England Conference,'^ in 1790,
included *'that part of the State of New York which lies on
the east side of the Hudson River,'* and all New England,
under the proviso, *'that if the Bishops see it necessary, a
Conference may beheld in the Province of Maine." In 1800,
this Conference was changed so as to include unconditionally
the District of Maine, and the circuits east and north of the
New York Conference, which wiis changed so as to compass
*^all that part of the State of New York east of the Hudson
River, all Connecticut, and those parts of Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, and Vermont which are included in the New
York and New London Districts.'* In 1804, it was made to
include the Maine, Boston, New London, and Vermont Dis-
tricts. The Conference in 1812 embraced that part of Ver-
mont east of the Green Mountains, and all the New England
States east of the Connecticut River. All of Lower Canada
east of Lake Magog was supplemented in 1816. In 1824, the
Maine Conference was instituted, and the New England
included all New Hampshire west of the AVhite Hills, that
part of Vermont east of the Green Mountains, Rhode Island,
and all Massachusetts and Connecticut ea^t of Connecticut
River. In 1832, it included that part of Massachusetts lying
between the Green Mountains and the Merriraac River, Rhode
Island, and that part of Connecticut east of Connecticut
River.
The first Conference appointed for New England was to
be held in Connecticut, July 23, but the Conference proba-
10*
226
APPENDIX A.
bly never sat, as the appointments for 1791 were inade at
New York, May 26, of that year. The first Conference in
New England was held at Lynn, August 3, 1792, in which
eight preachers were present.
The succeeding year saw two Eastern Conferences ; one at
Lynn, August 1, and the other at Tolland, Connecticut,
August 11. In all these Ashury presided, as well as tlie
two following, which were held in 1794; the first at Lynn,
July 25; tlie second at Wilbraliain, September 4. The
successive Conferences of New England were held. New
London, July 15, 1795, in the house of Daniel Burrows, Esq. ;
Thompson, September 19, 1790, at Captain Jonathan Nich-
ols, over which the same Bishop presided. In 1796, the
**New England" Conference was defined, and held sessions
as follows: at AVilbrriham, September 19, 1797, over which
Lee presided, at the request of Asbury ; two sessions in 1798,
one at Keadlield, Maine, August 29, the other at Gniuville,
Massachusetts, September 19, Asbury presiding; at New
York, June 19, 1799; and at Lynn, July 18, 1800. Con-
necticut was included in New York Conference from 1801 to
1803, inclusive, whose sessions for tliis i)eriod were, accord-
ing to the minutes: at New York, June 16, 1801, June 1,
1802, and at Ashgrove, July 1, 1803. In 1804, New London
Circuit was re-i[icluded in the New England Conference,
whose sessions, resuming from 1800, are given in the follow-
ing table, as per minutes : —
Lynn
Monmouth, Me.
]Jo?ton
Buxton, Me
Lynn
Ciinaan, N. H. . .
Boston
New London.. . .
July 17, ISOl.
" 1, 1S()2.
2(1 Th.in Juno, 1803,
July 15, 1S(U.
" 12, 1S05.
June 12, 1806.
" 2, 1807.
April 17, 1803.
Monmouth
WinchcsttM, N. H
Barnurd, Vt
Lynn
New London
Durhiu!), Me
Unity, N. II
Bristol
June 1
APPENDIX A.
227
Place.
Concord, N. 11..
llrvllowell, Me...
Lyna
Miintuckct
Bane, Vt
liuth. Me
Providence
liartiard
Cambridge
"Wilbrttliaiii
Li.iboii, N. 11....
Lynn
Time.
May IG,
June 4,
2,
" 21,
" 20,
" 21),
" 12,
22,
G,
July 23,
1S17.
1S18.
1S19.
1820.
1821.
1S22.
isj;i.
1S24.
1S25.
1.V26.
1827.
182S.
Place.
PortsMioutli, N. II
New Umirord
Spriii^rflild
rrovidt-Mce
Hoaton
Webster
Lynn
Si)iingfleld
Nautiiekct
H<sLon
Lynn
Lowell
Time.
Juno 10,
May 2 »,
" IS,
June 27,
June 6,
" 4,
" 8,
July 13,
Juno 7,
C,
1S29.
ISiJO.
1831.
1832.
1S33.
1S34.
1835.
l8o6.
1837.
1S38.
1839.
Providoiice Conference was formed in 1840, nnd included
that part of Connecticut east of Connecticut Kiver, Rhode
Island, and that part of Massachusetts lying southeast of a
lino drawn from the northeast corner of tl>e Stute of Rhode
Island to the mouth of Nepunset River,'' including Walpolo
Station. Its Sessions, d:c., are given for reference: —
Time.
June
July
April
9, 1841.
8, 1S42.
7, 1843.
3. 1844.
4, 184,').
8, 184C.
7, 1847.
" 6, 184S.
4, 1849.
" 8,1850.
" 2,1851.
" 14, 1852.
" 13,1853.
" 5, 1854.
4, 1855.
" 2, 1S5G.
1, 1857.
March 80,1853.
" 29, 1859.
" 28, 1800.
April 3, ISGl.
2, 1862.
March 27, 1863
" 23, 18fr4.
" 22, 1865.
" 21, 1866.
Place.
Bishop.
ProN'idcnce, K. I Heddiug
Niiiitucki't, Mass jWau-h
Warren, It. 1 iHeddiii;; and Morris.
Newport, U. I. .
New IJfdt'ord, Muss. . .
Norwich, C<»nn
Fall Itiwr, Mass
New Lontlou, Conn
l*rovincelown. Mass...
Providence, K. I
Warren, K. I
Norwich, Conn
Now liedlord. Mass...
Kdgartown, Mas.s
Newport, K. i
Providence, K. I
Bristol, li. I
Norwich, Conn
Fall Kiver, Mass
Now Bt'dl\»rd, Mass...
Providence, K. I
Frovincetuwn, Mass...
Warren, II. I
New London, Conn. . .
New Bed lord, Mass...
Bristol, K. I
liedding and Janes
Wauv(h
Wunjrh
Heddlng .
ileddini:! ..
II am lino . .
Morris
Janes
Waut'b....
Janes
Baker
Janes
Baker
Janes
Scott
Aiues
Morris
Simpson. . .
Baker .....
Janes
Ames
Simp»on . .
Thoyapson
Mem-
bers in
Society.
10,664
13,401
13,8:n
13,S17
13,703
12.7S3
13.3;*
13.428
11.K3S
11,779
12,379
12,023
12.839
18.11G
13.105
13;257
13,320
13,146
14,6.'n
14.G28
14.'_'20
14,272
14.227
14,117
14.853
14.412
^.2
2,1 C2
1,752
1,697
1.794
1.802
1,741
1,706
1,748
3,104
1,93.')
1.542
1 ,443
1,477
l,t,99
1,01.9
1,008
228
APPENDIX A.
1
DELEGATES TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
184-i, New York, N. Y.
Delegates. — John Lovcjoy, Frederick Uplj.im, Sanford Ben-
ton, Paul Townsend.
jReserdcs. — Abol Stevens, Isaac Bonney.
1848, PiTTSBDKO, PeXN-.
Delegates. — Abel Stevens, Isaac Bonney, David Patten,
Ralph "W. Allen, AVarren Eincrson.
Reserves. — Bjirtholonicw Otlienuin, Jolin W. Case.
1852, Boston, ^Iass.
Delegates. — Daniel Webb, Abol Stevens, David Patten,
Erastus Benton, William T. Ilarluw, Daniel Wise.
Ixeserves. — Robert Allyn, Bartholomew Otheman.
185G, Indianapolis, Ind.
Delegates. — Abel Stevens, Samuel W. Coggeshall, Daniel
Wise, Pardon T. Konney, Elisha B. Bradford, George
Carpenter.
Reserves, — William Livesey, David Patten, James D. Butler.
18G0, Buffalo, N. Y.
Delegates. — Daniel Wise, Paul Townsend, Samuel C.
Brown, Sidney Dean, George M. Carpenter.
Reserves. — Charles K. True, Frederick Upham.
1864, Philadelphia, Penn.
Delegates. — Daniel AVise, Samuel 0. Brown, William II.
Richards, David Patten.
Reserves. — George W. Brewster, George M. Carpenter.
APPENDIX A.
229
DEATHS.
Bouy.
Kntcred
the
Ministry
Namks.
Died.
1799.
Mav 4, 1S04.
All'- 1, 1804.
March, ISl:}.
Oct. 14, 1790
April 7, IHiO.
Aui:. 17, 1S19.
May 25, ISll.
ISlb,
Jan. 2^ 1790,
Sept. 2G, 1762
1S20,
Juno 20, Ibll
Feb. 4,1811
IS'22
29, 17b7
1819
7, 1790
9. 1780
12, 1807
8, ISlft
fec])t. 80, 1791
1 M»2
8, 1799
9, 1S07
1, 1782
20. 17 SO
18. 1808
Dec.
Dec.
M.iy
July
Mar.
Oct
July
May
Mar.
Feb.
1S23.
18:35.
18:36.
1818.
Ih'JO.
Ksir).
1S48.
1S42
ISIG.
1^08.
1642.
1-34.
1S48.
ISiO.
ISll .
1S47.
1810.
Iir02.
1630.
1S42.
1815.
ISil
1S28
1620.
1810.
IS04.
18i8.
Caleb D. Uo^rra .
Kcubi ii Bowcn . .
J.H'l Kni-ht
OUj, Wilder ....
Charles (\ Hams
j \'an licii.^hL lac r O-sburu
I I>aac Sabin llou^e .
(J cor^e S. Judil
I John F. Hlanchani.
Di.von Stcbbins. . . .
Daniel Dorchester .
Isaac lioniU'y
Levi Da^'irett
liichanl Livcsey . . .
Thoinas 1). r>iake . .
Charlo.H S. lia/.ura. .
Daniel Fillinore . . ,
John H. Hunt
.Mosea Filiehl
Asa Kent
Sanford lienlon ....
Abel Gardner
Nathan Paine ....
I.Vsa 1 1. Swinertou .
i Henry Mayo
j Leniuel Harlow . . .
!Franci.s Dane
I Lewis iiates
Moses Chase
>rar. 14,
.June 2S,
Auir. 18,
Sept. 18,
Nov. 29,
Nov. 29,
July
Oct.
Au-
Sept. 27.
An;:. G,
Sepr, IG,
April 18,
Sept. 23,
June 20,
July 27.
Aug. 18,
April 19,
19,
Sept.
Mar.
May
Sei»t.
Oct.
Jan.
April 10,
Oct. 10.
Mar. 24,
Jan. 7,
1848.
li>48.
1618.
ls44.
1.S40.
1840.
1847.
1847.
1S51 .
1658
1654.
1 6;')5 .
1657.
1657.
1 656 .
1H5S.
is:)6.
1656.
1n59.
1 600 .
1602.
l6tW.
1608.
16t«.
1608.
1 604 .
18(^.
18(i5.
1SC6.
230
APPENDIX A.
rews.
1
. c
^> CO
S o
cl f
1 a
APPKNDIX A.
231
i
II illlllll
5 j mm
iJJMlilil
1 1 iiii
APPENDIX A.
^finisters transferred from Providcnre Conference.
Allyn, R.
Os-rood, A. M.
B.-i glial, "W. R.
Paine, C. H.
13eal, S. IT.
rliilbrook, N. P.
Beinis, N.
Pool, 0. F.
Bidwcll, I. J.
Sar<,^eant, A. D.
Bridge, J. D.
Scott, ]'!.
Carroll, J. M.
So wall, C. n.
Chadbournc, G. S.
Sleeper, T. D.
Cliapmond, J. A. M.
bteveris, Abol
Kisk, P.
Studley, AV. S.
Hatfield, R. M.
Teft, B. P.
Leslie, D.
Tral'ton, M.
McCartliy, J. IT.
True, C. K.
McKcowii, A.
Upham, S. P.
Merrill, A. D.
Weeks, J. 13.
Noble, C.
Whodon, D. D.
Nearly one-half of the above entered New England Con-
fere!ice. One liundred and forty-one have joined in full con-
nection; fifty-eight 'locations" have taken place; and nine
have withdrawn."
APPEIsDIX B.
In tlio year 1800, the following; was publislied witliout
signature. It is believed to liave been the production of Di*.
AVilliani P. Turner.
A Key to unlock Melliodism, or Acadomicul Hubbub, containing
some remarks on Fanaticism, together with an Account of iho
Prooecdin}:^s of the Sect called Methodists, at a Quarterly
Meeting lately held by them in the City of Norwich.
*' WlKite'or Men speak by this new liL'lit,
Still tliey are sure to bo in tir ri^'lit,
'Tis ft dark Liinlliorn of the spirlL,
Which none see by but those that bear it;
A light that falls clown from ou high,
For spiritual trades to cozen by.
This light inspires and plays upon
The nnee of saint, like IJagpij>e drone:
And speaks thro' hollow empty soul,
As thro' a trunk or whisp'rinir hole:
JSueh language as no mortal ear,
lJut Methodists themselves, can hear I"
Konoich: Printed for the Author, ISOO.
DEDICATION.
To the Public in general, and in particular to the Methodist
Churches throughout this State, this Pamphlet is most respectfully
inscribed, by their most humble servant the Author.
234
APPKNOIX 13.
IN an age enliglitcncd like this, and in a country where
religious tVeeduni prevails, every person is at liberty to
write or s[)eak his own sentiments, as it respects his own
belief or that of nnothers! No apology however do we deem
necessary to be made on account of the remarks contained
in the present Pamphlet. — To strip otf the garb of the false
deceiver, and tear away the cloak of the vile hypocrite, is
but a duty wo owe to ourselves and that of i)osterity. The
freedom we have taken in order to elfect this, may displease
some, but is no objection in fact to the justness of the cause
in which we are engaged.
The Sect whom we are now about to make some remarks
on, stiled Methodists, are extremely fond of methodizing, and
full of their firstlys and secondlys. — We shall be excused
therefore when we adopt the saine method in the following
Pamphlet. Religion being wholly uut of the (juestion, as it
relates to the conduct of those i)eoi)le in their worship, is
foreign to our subject and design, wo shall
1st. ^fake some bi'ief remarks on Fanaticism, or describe
in general terms the Fanatic.
2d. Shall endeavour to trace the Methodists from their
first api)earance in this Town, down to the present day.
3dly. Shall give a carulid, honest, fair, and impartial ac-
count of their proceedings at a late quarterly ^feetit)g, lield
in this City.
And then conclude our Pamphlet with those reflections,
which may naturally arise out of the subject, or to adoi)t
their own Plirascology ''as the Lord may give light and
liberty."
Fanaticism is a pretended belief in immediate inspiration ;
and a Fanatic one who pretends to revelations, from Crod. —
Xiow far this cliaracter will ap[)ly to the Methodists, their
actions and conduct will best determine. Methodism took
its name from Mr. John Wesley^ in England, who was the
APPENDIX B.
235
first founder of their Sect, und wlio all the Preachers of this
country are proud to claim as their Head.
He formed them into ditlurent l^ands or Societies, and
adopted a certain method to be observed in all their reli^^ious
performances, such as going from Ik^uso to house, praying,
preacliing, and exhorting each otlier, visiting the sick, tire,
&c. which they strictly observed, and hence they were called
by the name of Methodists: and this is the practice they
have adopted in their progress thro these States. Mr. Wesley
was himself a sincere and a pious Man, and a great opposer
and enemy to Fanaticism of any kind. He recommended to
all the Preachers of that order to avoid all kinds of gestures
and tones in their public discourses, and to pray not more
than five minutes to the extent, at any time. — He was often
a witness to their rant and misguided Zeal, and as often
sharply reproved them for thu same! You will run on"
says this Pious Saint, when ho had once collecled them
together, and harangue an Audience witli your wild decla-
mations, hour after hour, when there is not one out often of
you that can hold an argument for the space of five minutes."
Thus did this holy man t)f Ciod bear his testimony against
Enthusiasm, and the misguided mad Zeal of his own Fol-
lowers!
The Methodists bespeak themselves to be Fanaticks in
almost every thing about them. Their gestures are peculiar
to themselves; their singularities in their dress, is wholly
ludicrous; a Methodist woman may be descried by her Bon-
net, as far almost as you can eye her. — The pre achers with
their strait hair hanging down their backs, and sad despond-
ing countenances, have the appearance of, and look like so
many Culprits, bound for the gallows, more than like any
thing else; you can but seldom see a smile, on their faces,
but one perpetual gloom hangs on their brow ! Many of the
Preachers have exhausted their strength, by repeated hallo-
ings, smiting with their hands and i)ounding with their fists
236
APPENDIX B.
on their pulpits; till tliey are reduced some of tliein in con-
sequence to ineer sliudows, and resemble wulkin*,' ghosts
more than men ; what is Fanaticism if this be not? Tliey
may pretend, to be invested with a suj)ernatural power, .'ind
filled with the spirit of God, such operations are seldom
ascribed to any other source, "take care" say they, when
they are reasoned with 'Miow and what you say lest you
fight against God;" this is their dernier resort, but you had
as good reason with a Brute, or spend your breath on the
air, as to talk about religion and the things of God witli a
ranting, roaring Methodist! The world is filled with Fanati-
cism; we liear much from them about reformations, convic-
tions, conversions and what not. The people are friglited,
and then become proselytes to a religion, which is made up
wholly of fable and imposture. The observing mind will
readily perceive that their churcli, is made u]) of tlie most
weak, unlearned ignorant and base part of mankind. They
work on the passions of these sort of ])eople; they know
well it is of that class, and that only, they shall gain any
over to their pretended Dogmas, and derive any support;
and their craft is to get a living. We know it is said, by
them that this is not their object I It is not money say
they that w^e are seeking, we are allowed but a few shillings
or pounds per year, for all our labours in the Lord." Grant
it, but they are not more industrious than other peoi)le, wo
never as yet heard of their doing much labor, they are not
fond of work, they are unitbrmly lazy and idle, they live
upon their people, and they know that their hearts and
houses are both open to receive them.
Fanaticism is. of various kinds and produces opposite
effects, but it ought always to be discountenanced ; some are
moaping and melancholy, and seek a retirement from the
world, others are thereby completely wretciied, driven to
acts of desperation, and many take away their own lives —
APPENDIX B.
237
Bedlam is thronged witli religious Maniacs, who have lost
their reason, in coriseciuence of a religious phroiizy.
Not long since, wo are credibly informed, three of tlioso
Pulpit Drummers in Stephentown, New- York, not receiv-
ing so much encouragement from their labours as what
they expected, after one of their meetings, retired into a
room as supposed by themselves, and agreed to deceive the
peojde in the following manner. They were to have a meet-
ing on the next night, and then one of them was to pray,
and exhort until his audience, supposed him wholly exhaust-
ed, and feign himself dead. The otiier two were to mourn,
and bitterly Aveej) for the death of their brother, and tell
what a faithful servant ho had been to his Lord ; that no
doubt he had been the means of saving many i)recious Souls
alive, and then attempt to reanimate him. It was accordingly
attemi)ted on the next night, and this religious farce acted to
the amazement of their hearers, when a young woman who
had lain unperceived in the room all the while, and over-
heard their diabolical scheme, exposed their conduct to the
meeting, and they were obliged to quit the town. Reader is
not this a species of Fanaticism, or something worse, and
are not the Methodists then themselves Fanatics.
AVe will now mal.o some renmrks on the Methodists, from
their first coming to this Town. — Their followers have since
said that they had some forebodings of their coming to this
Town; "that they heard a singing down in the south, like
the singing of birds, and but a little while before these
Preachers came along!" They were moderate at first and
seemed to chuse rather, to keep their i)eculiar Tenets to
themselves, than otlierwise — they gained a few Proselytes.
By degrees, tliey grew more and more bold, they became
noisy, and sometimes hoisterous, they laid open their Tenets,
and endeavoured to force a belief of them in the minds of
their hearers, with all the false zeal, and ingenuity that they
were masters of ; they denied at the first onset that there
238
APPENDIX B.
was any sucli thing as original sin, " we have nought to do
witli it said one, any more than with the sable sons on the
coast of Africa,^' they maintained a belief in free agency
wliicli Mr. Whitefield called the back door to Popery, denied
any such doctrine as that of Election, and the final j)erseve-
rance of the saints. Tliat a person might die a christian or
saint one day and be saved, and die a devil and be damned
another. Some of the tdder and more sober part of the
people, begun to bo cautious of them, withdrew from their
meetings and heard them no more. J5ut they had erec ted
wliat tliey calle<l a Clmrch in this place, and kept up their
meetings at stated Periods. In general once a Fortnight,
one of their Preachers came among them and delivered, as
lie termed it, a discourse ; tho for a course of years they
have not much increased here as to their numbers!
AVe have been told from one time and another, by them,
of great reformations in other places. Particularly of lalo in
New-York! That this should be a fact where one of their
Preachers, with one or more concerned in the same plot, has
been detected of one of tlie basest crimes, by a long series of
vilhxiny, practised on an unguarded Female, who by his
artful wiles,'' he liad seduced and lier reputation destroyed,
and who has been prosecuted on a breach of promise, com-
pelled to pay a fine of 0(K) dolhirs, besides a sentence of some
months imprisonment for his most atrocious Villainy, seems
a little extraordinary. People must be Lunatics indeed to
commit their spiritual concerns into the hands of such men
as these.
They are full in tho ])retended belief also of evil spirits,
apparitions and ghosts ; one of their Preachers, some tinie
since while harranguing his llock in this i)lace, told them as
lie was travelling the country, while once riding thro a
swamp, on a dark dismal night, he heard a dreadful noise,
and rustling among the leaves of the trees, when a Hird of an
enornjous size flew across the road before his Horse, and
APPENDIX B.
239
slirieked out in tliese words "I ain a damned Ghost," and
tlicn disappeared. This lie intbrnied liis audience was a
poor damned sinner, wlio had died in his sins, and was then
roaring in Hell." Such frightful Chimeras and idle Tales,
with many others, conjured up hy the imagination, were
continually imposed on their liearers for truths and received
hy many of them as such ; not doubting the veracity of ^fen
wlio had assumed the character of Ministers of Christ and
who liad taken the sacred function upon them "for the good
of Souls/' They have been suffered to play on the imagina-
tions of the weak and ignorant in this way ! They pretend
to maintain the doctrine of sinless ])erfection ; and some
liavc imagined themselves to have already arrived to this
state. One of their Ciiurch here, a Maiden Lady, lias been
tried, by their Wesleian standard, and i)roved to have not
the least remains of sin about h^r! Ikit such extravagant
oj)inions is abominable, and religion is of too serious a nature
to be thus trilled with. AVe could not wonder were they to
strip themselves naked and lash eacli other tliro our streets,
as some deluded wretches have done in other countries, in
order to expiate their crimes; this may be next, it is not im-
probable! many of their schemes are as wild and frantic.
If any one should doubt of their Fanaticism, let him peruse
their articles of faith and church discipline, and he will be
convinced if not before.
The preachers uniformly as observed put on a mournful
forbidding countenance, are reserved and awkward in their
manners, and are shy of all but their own Sect. It is with
much dit^iculty that you can get them to converse upon their
principles, at all when alone. But when in their Sentry
]3oxes fortressed by tlieir own sect, tiiey are not in the least
abashed. Bold as Lions, their mouths are full of personal
reflections, insults, and Anathemas; and they frequently bo-
spatter their audience with their fllthy billingsgate language.
But this has been attributed to their ignorance, or they
240
APPENDIX B.
would have been presented witli a Cat-o-nine tails^ for tlieir
impudence before this, wliich they bad otherwise justly
merited.
As to their religious Tenets, it is well known that they are
of the Arminian kind; had they lived in the days of Arnii-
iiius they could not have been more completely his follow-
ers; tliey are Arminians in every sense of the word ; a pliari-
saical spirit is observable, in all that they say or dol A
sincere and liberal Clergyman after hearing several of tlieir
order, made the following strong and striking observation of
them ^'had they as much grace as pride said he, I would go
as far to hear them, as an Angel from Heaven 1"
In the famous religious stir as it was called \n the year
1740, or not long after while numbers were worked up to
the higliest ])itch of enthusiasm, a different si)irit from this
then prevailed. They stood mui h in fear of a legal spirit in
those days ! And in the town of New-London while once
assembled on the Common for the i)urpose of burning their
clothes, headed by a Mr. Davenport, whicli they actually
then destroyed they agreed to part with all their self right-
eousness, in exchange for the Preacher^s Velvet Breeches!
This we think the Methodists would be loth to do. It is but
justice, as we have mentioned the name of ^Ir. Davenport, to
say that ho lived to see his error.-^, made a public retraction
of them and died an honest man. One of their Order, has
wholly abandoned them, and is now a sober Presbyterian
Clergyman. We might relate many other anecdotes that
would not accrue much to their advantage. ])r.t to trace
them in all their wild Vagaries must require a volume.
Some remarks on their proceedings at their Quarterly
meeting now follow I This memorable day will not soon bo
forgotten by the good People of this City I The Preachers
that lieaded this motley gang were a Mr. Broadhead,
their Elder Ostraader, Wood, and a little stripling
APPENDIX B.
241
by the name of McLane, beside a large number of others
wlio they called Class leaders, and public Exhorters.
In depicting this scene, we fear least we fall short and not
do that justice to this part of our subject which it deserves,
we shall endeavour faithfully to state facts, and then leave
the Reader to draw such inferences from tliose facts as he
may in his own mind think fit and proper. It is impossible
for any one but tliose who were present at the time,, to form
an idea of the confusion and disorder that reigned through-
out the whole of this Meeting!
The Methodist brethren w^ere notified some time before
by their preachers of the day and accordingly set their Caps
and Houses in order to receive them; they expected a largo
collection of the brethren from a great distance, and from all
the neighboring Towns around where the Preachers had
laboured and formed Societies ! The charity of the good
Citizens of this place was had recourse to on the occasion,
and they were called on to open their hearts and houses to
entertain as many of them as they could without inconve-
nience to their families. On the Saturday preceding, they
came flocking in from all directions; the streets for hours
was filled with Horses, Men and Women, together with
Mulattoes and Negroes, in abundance. It is supposed that
there were nearly 200 Communicants convened here on the
occasion.
Their Meeting opened on the afternoon of the same day,
and their Elder bellowed out a discourse to them with a
voice like thunder. lie gave them a short history of his own
conversion and closed it with all the terrors of the burning
Mount. This was to prepare their hearts for the ensuing
Sabbath and had the desired effect — they began to show
themselves in earnest^ to shed tears, sob and groan, and cry
aloud, many of them answered by repeated Aniens; and
others wrung their hands as tho in the agonies of despair.
This confusion and tumult lasted for some time, and then
11
242
APPENDIX B.
the assembly were dismissed, and another appointed the
same evening! This was termed a prayer meeting, that the
Brethren and Sisters of tlie Church from diflerent parts
might thereby have an opportunity to sliow their various
and multiplied gifts and tliey were well displayed I This
w^as a scene wherein the pencil of a Hogarth miglit have
exhibited some of the most masterly touches! such distorted
countenances and sncli lamentable groanings and outcries
were new to us, as we had never seen or heard of the like
kind before, some of their own Brethren in this j)lace, stood
like persons astonished ! and remained silent during the whole
of this religious Pupi)ct show where every fool acted his
part, for we cannot call it by any better name. The little
champion McLane hero exerted all his powers and faculties
to increase the religious Plirenzy thiit at this time prevailed
and s])read liko wild lire among the Brethren. He attuned
his voice to the highest pitch and drew his mouth into as
many different postures and shapes as he could get it in, and
extorted the cries of the brethren until they had drowned
his own voice so that ho could not be lieard, and then sat
down having accomplished his ends that the Brethren miglit
rise in their turn, to appearance comj)letely exhausted. But
can any rational being, or any person except it be, a higli
flying Methodist, believe that religion consists in such' feats
as these? Must a man draw his mouth out of all shape, and
bellow like a bull, in order to become a Christian. Both
reason and common sense say no, but if he become a Metho-
dist this is the religious touch stone^ whereby to determine
liim a child of God! some of the expressions made by this
man, at the time were too dreadful to think of uttering in
Print. And the aspersions which followed thrown out by
the African, on the Peo[)le of Norwich were such as miglit
have been expected from an ignorant person of Colour, by
herding with such a Company as theirs!
A *^Lovo Feast" was observed the next morning at half
APPENDIX B.
243
past seven o'clock. We shall just mention somewhat of this
Feast, as it was of a singular kind. This feast was different
from one related in the 22d chapter of Matthew. Here the
doors were closed and none admitted but by a special note
or a ticket signed by some one of the Elders of the Church.
They were so critical as even to inform the Brethren that
they must be there at tlie hour, or not be admitted at all ;
and some of their own sect not being so punctual as what
they had enjoined, thro perhaps some unavoidable * delay,
could not gain admittance, were excluded from the privileges
of partaking of this Feast, and were obliged to tarry without
the Doors, until the Ceremony was ended. As the writer
had not the pleasure himself of being presented with a
Ticket, he is not at liberty to say how or in what man-
ner it was conducted. Tho from the noise within, heard
by those who were without the Academy at the time, they
were busily employed about something ! till the Love feast
ended.
The Audience were now admitted, and Broadhead their
Elder gave them a second discourse and if possible more
thundering still ! He roared, he stamped, he called aloud on
the Sinner to desert the Devil's quarters, and try religion a
while, if no longer, "come" said this thundering Fanatic
"I'll engage that the Devil will take you again, if you chuse,
at any time 1 Ay I will be the devil's bondsman that he
shall accept of you." What a religious Traffic is this ? Tre-
mendous expressions, and could come from no one but a Mad
Man or a Fool ! This is a refinement in Methodism unheard
of before I To bring souls to Jesus Christ to give them to
the Devil I Horrid I !
While partaking of the sacramental institution, instead of
order, the Hubbub but increased. The Females were lean-
ing their Heads on each other ; their hair all dishevelled, and
their Handkerchiefs unpinned ; and some of them in a swoon I
One young Girl was in Hysteric Fits, for an hour or more,
244
APPENDIX B.
and when led out of the house and a Physician present told
them they had best give the young Woman some Motherwort
Tea^ she replied ''I don't want any Motherwort tea, I am
filled with the Love of Jesus " !
One circumstance we cannot forbear here to mention, it
will serve to show how well bred these gentry are, and in
what a polite style they often compliment their Audience !
Two very respectable Women of this place, of delicate habits
had got very much frightened and proceeded to leave the
House when their Elder gave a savage Yell ''My God stop
those ungodly sinners before they drop into Hell " — Shame
where is thy blush.
In the after part of the day, after the Audience had a
respite of an hour, they were convened to hear the remain-
der of this religious Hallobolo. A Sermon was again pro-
nounced ! and the noise and bustle begun. Their favorite
Champion Ostrander now arose, and stormed like a Bedlam-
ite! The Brethren catched the same spirit, and the room
trembled and shook as tho there had been an Earthquake !
They arose, and such cryings, shriekings, holy ravings, and
incoherent bawlings, never struck our ears before ! Exhorta-
tions, warnings. Prayers, were all blended in one ; ^'My God
a little more faith" says one '^my Jesus come" another,
**Lord am I thy servant" a third *^Now, now, now, for a
little more power" a fourth, my God one grain of faith,
we want more faith, we want one grain of faith more " and
so on until many people were really frighted and some of
the fair sex, who sat trembling all the while had nigh
fainted. And many of the judicious part of the audience,
pronounced them to be men insane more than under the
influence of the spirit of God. The eyes of this Ostrander
at the time, resembled the fierceness of a Tyger's, rather
than a man's.
Lion the well knpwn Canterbury Zealot, and a great stick-
ier in matters of religion, and who has formerly been a Sep-
APPENDIX B.
245
aratist, now gave an exhortation in the genuine old fashioned
new Light strain, that reminded the writer of the lines of
Mr. Butler in his Geneva Ballad, who girds them for speak-
ing thro' the nose.
"To draw in Pmelytes, like Bees,
With pleasing twang, he tunes his prose^
He gives his handk&ixhief a squeeze,
And draws religion ihrd' his Twse^
and while he drew the attention of the Audience, towards an
aged sister, who in days past he had been joined with in the
same Church, and exclaimed as he did, " Give me your hand
sister, look at her, see how she looks, she looks as tho she
would look death and hell oat of countenance." We were
convinced that he had not lost the old ancient spirit of New-
lightism, or that he had not gained that much dilTerent by
consorting with the Methodists.
An evening's discourse in which the same species of dis-
traction, that reigned thro the day predominated, concluded
this holy Muster. The Woods" Preacher is thanked for
giving us the history of so notable a case, as the Man he had
read of who had preached for eight years, and had never
been converted. And who he supposed a Presbyterian
Clerg/man." The Presbyterians and the Methodists perhaps
had as well settled the point among themselves, as we are
not very anxious to know to what particular Sect or Church
he belonged. Whether he be a sober Presbyterian or a lank
faced Methodist.
A man by the name of Burroughs, and very Zealous, was
one of the principal leading Exhorters in this meeting.
**Pray Mr. Burroughs, when was it, just after you had been
detected in sending away Chestnut tree'd Saddles, or when,
that you commenced Methodist Preacher."
One young Convert cried out that *'she had got the Keys
246
APPENDIX B.
of Heir* and when the meeting closed as they were descend-
ing the stairs, a Female accosted another of their order
somewhat dark in her mind, and says to her an't you
ashamed to fall away from grace." This being a favourite
topic with them, it may serve to shew liow well they are
indoctrinated on this point.
They are not in general fond of the spirit of Prophesy —
hut one of their sect, a large heavy Woman, who they sttle
the Elect Lady" took it upon herself to assume a spirit of
Prophesy on the occasion. To morrow " says she I believe
will be such a day as Norwich never saw before." The old
Lady actually lived to see her Prophesy realized.
Many of the Methodists, in this place, and some of their
Preachers, on perusal of this Pamphlet, may probably say
that the foregoing pages do not contain a true relation of
their order. They may well be ashamed of the Picture, tho
it be a good likeness of the Original. But Reader ; these are
facts as they occurred, without any colouring or disguise, and
not in tho least exaggerated. Most who hear them do not
know what wild Enthusiasts they be.
"VVe have heard none that has joined to their Church of
late except the Gennessee Goldsmith ; and he the only one
who has had tho audacity to approbate their late proceed-
ings.
It is delightful to behold the visages of those of their pro-
fession. Their faces are as long, many of them, as tho a
Fifty-six were extended from their Chins.
Their wild extravagances, and different grades of religious
Enthusiasm may be traced in their Watch Nights, Classes,
Bands and Love feasts : In England their conduct has been
such, that the Populace instead of argument have had re-
course to Bricks, Bats, and Stones, to shew their resentment
of them, as the only alternative.
We have now only to regret that one of their principal
supporters here, has been so far led away by them. And
APPENDIX B.
247
wliile tlie beams of civil and religious liberty are dilFused
abroad, tbe mass of superstition, and of error with which
Cliristianity has long been shrouded, with all those doctrines
degrading to human nature, must of (bourse disappear, and a
rational system of religion in its stead alone prevail.
APPENDIX C.
Meinbers of North M. E.
Androws, Delia.
Avery, Lucy M.
Beaumont, Ann.
Emma.
" Erasmus.
" Sarah.
Beck with, Adelaide.
Brewster, Patrick.
Burchard, Ann M.
Calkins, Susan E.
Carpenter, James.
Case, Elizabeth.
" George.
" Mary A.
» Mary J.
*' Sarah E. '
" William T.
Chapman, Harriet.
" Sylvester.
Douglas, Jane.
Leland.
Churchy January 1, 1867.
Edgerton, Patty.
Fargo, Mary A.
Fnster, Margaret.
Eillmore, Annis.
" llev. G. D.
Frazicr, Eliza M.
" Louisa.
Maria H.
" Thomas M.
Fuller, Chester.
Mary.
Gifford, Erin.
Hood, Betsey.
" Howell.
*' Louisa.
Huntington, Cornelia.
Mary A.
Hyde, Anna.
" Solomon.
Jennings, Almira.
Zingsley, Lucy.
" Mary P.
APPENDIX C.
249
Kingsley, Melissa.
William L.
Lamb, Nancy.
Lathrop, Lucy.
" Sarah M.
Latour, Eliza.
" Robert F.
Logan, Charles.
" Mary.
Maples, Hannah.
Mars, Eunice S.
" Maria.
Paine, Eliza A.
Robinson, Mary A.
11*
Rood, Betsey.
Smith, Maria.
" Prentice P.
Standish, Erastus.
Sarah.
Tanner, Gilbert.
Melinda.
" Mercy A.
Vergason, Sarah E.
"Warren, Gyrene.
Whear, Eliza D.
" Rev. John.
Wicker, George.
WilUams, Samuel.
250
APPENDIX C.
Partial List of Deceased Members of Korth M, E. Churchy
January 1, 18G7.
''The righteous shall be in everlasting romembrance.""
Armstrong, Aaron.
Hyde, Mrs. Jarvis.
VVlxiUOv'tl, aU.1Uv71 V cl' XX.
Carew, Sarah.
i\-iiigsiey, jiiiizai w .
Caswoll, Sannali.
Lamb, Richard.
oaran.
" Mrs. Richard.
ClomGut, b>arali.
iiXtiliulUu, tlUocUIl X.
Edwards, Jacob.
Maples, Betsey.
nilitioro, Amaziah.
" Josliua.
" Harriet.
" Joshua, Jr.
" Elizabeth.
Marshall, Freelove.
" Jeliiel.
Parkis, Silva.
" Harriet.
Pratt, Sarah E.
Gates, Gilbert.
Rogers, Rhoda.
Geer, Mary.
Ruggles, Nancy.
" Sarah,
Thatcher, Rhoda.
Giddings, John ^V,
** Simon.
Gillson, David.
IT xjiiui\j!\7.
" Mrs. David.
'W^eller, Abby.
Griswold, Mrs. Andrew.
Williams, Mahala.
Hyde, James.
" Solomon.
" Jarvis.
" Mrs. Solomon.
Menihers of the M, E, Church
in Chelsea^ June 11, 1812.
Bentley, David N,
Butler, Nancy.
'* Letitia.
Callyhan, Betsey.
Boon, Wealthy.
William.
William C.
Champlin, Betsey.
Burdick, Lucy.
Clement, Sarah.
APPENDIX 0.
251
Comstock, Mary.
Davison, Abigail
Kwen, Lydia.
Griffiug, Jeremiah.
Good, Sarah.
Halping, Margaret.
Herrick, Susan.
Jeffers, Mary.
Lamb, L.
Maplos, Desire.
Pierce, TliankfuL
Prince, Lucy.
Taber, Polly,
Trapp, llannali.
Turner, Ann.
Warren, Mary.
Woodworth, Caleb.
" Margaret.
The Ciass-paper of 1818, containing the "Names of the
members of the M, E. Church in Norwich Landing," fur-
nislies the following list, Mr. Jeremiah Griffing being
Leader, and David N. Bentlky Local Preacher: —
Alsop, John.*
Douglas, Dinah.
Bentley, Anna.
Dyer, Nancy,
Letitia.
" Olny M.
Blakeley, Rhoda^
Powler, Betsey.
Branch, Elishaw
John,
J^fary.
Geer, Clarissa.
Brown, Anson.
Green, Ann,
Butler, Nancy.
Griffing, Jeremiah,
Cady, ShubaL
Harris, DanieL
^* Wait.
Ephraim.
Callyhan, Betsey. '
" Maria.
" William.
" Susan.
Champlin, Nancy.
Hartshorn, Jemima.
Coatcfl, Joseph.
Holt, Ann.
" * Sarah.
Betsey,
Com/tock, Mary.
" Maria.
Co^ John.
Johnson, Amy,
Darnels, George W.
Latham, Sabra.
" Nancy.
Lewis, Betsey.
Davis!;n, Abigail-
" Fanny.
♦ Class Leader in 1819.
252
APPENDIX C.
Lewis, Fannj II.
Maples, Desire.
McCrary, Liicretia.
Palmer, Flora.
Pierce, Thankful.
Ramo, Manuel.
Sherman, Susan.
Summers, Clark.
Taber, Mary.
Taylor, Mary.
Thurber, Luther.
Tracy, JuUa.
Trapp, Hannah.
Turner, Ann.
Winchester, Jamea.
Mary.
Names of the Norwich Landing Olass^''^ 1S27. Mr. John B.
Peuky being Leader.
Allen, Ira (Local Preacher).
rrmk, Marsnall.
Bailey, Emily.
Geer, Mary.
JllcilUUd.
Giflord, Susanna.
Bentley, David N.
Harris, Daniel.
" Letitia.
Hartshorn, Jemima.
Butler, Nancy.
Jewett, Harriet 0.
Cady, Shubal.
King, Lucretia.
Wait.
Seth.
Callyhan, Betsey.
Kingsley, William.
William..
Perry, Emeline S.
Capron, Clarissa.
John B.
" Ursula.
Phillips, Esther.
Carpenter, Dorcas.
Reynolds, Ann.
Corning, Hannah.
** Asaph G.
Crumb, Eliza.
Setchel, Mary.
Cutter, Samuel.
Sherman, Abby.
Davison, Abby P.
Ehza.
" Abigail.
Shoals, Nancy.
William P.
Taylor, Lydia.
Douglas, Dinah.
Mary.
Francis, Isaac. (L. Preacher.)
Turner, Ann.
Mary.
Winchester, James.
French, Elizabeth.
Mary.
APPENDIX C.
253
List of the Members of Norwich Fa lls Ko. 1 (7Za5«, 182T.
IsAAO Fkancis leing Leader,
Anderson, Maria.
Armstrong, Phobe.
Arnold, Ann.
*' Benjamin.
" Elijah.
" Rebecca.
" Phillis.
Cranston, Ilannali.
Davis, Mary A.
Edwards, Eunice H.
" Lois.
Eldredge, Ann.
Fletcher, Sarah.
WiUiam.
Foster, Deborah.
Laban.
Gardner, Ann.
Godfrey, Benjamin.
♦* Betsey.
" Mrs.
Helme, Ann.
" Mary.
Ladd, Almira.
" Joanna.
" Nancy.
Lathrop, Eunice.
" Jemima.
Josiah C.
Lydia.
" Mary.
Lawton, Ruth.
Leach, Betsey.
Marsh, Abby,
Mix, Abigail.
Parrish, Hiram.
" Malinda.
Perry, John.
" Mary.
Mary.
Rico, John.
" Maria.
Richards, Mary.
Shephard, Sarah.
Summers, Glark.
Tuttle, Thankful.
Washburn, Israel:
Sarah.
Whaley, Eliza.
Wilbur, Abby.
Members of the Sachem Street M. E. Churchy Jan, 1, 1867.
Adams, Daniel T. Allen, Mai tha.
" Lucre tia. ** Sarah.
Allen, Charles II. Annis, Mary A.
" Frank. " William H.
254
APPENDIX C.
Appleton, Annio.
" Henry.
Archer, Mary.
Atclierson, Elizabeth.
" Robert.
Babcock, James.
** Joseph.
" Susan T.
Bacon, Elizabeth A.
" Harrison E.
Barrows, Edwin S.
Mary.
" Mary E.
Beach, Lucy S.
Bliss, A,lvin B.
** Austin.
Bowers, John,
Maria.
Brady, Clarissa.
John.
" Mary A.
Brown. P^lizabeth J.
Mary.
Burgoyne, Jane.
Margaret.
Burke, Jlarriet M.
*' Horace E.
Cady, Charlotte A.
Wait.
Chapell, Caroline E.
Chappell, Hannah.
Cobb, Amos E.
" Anna M.
Loyd M.
" Phebe.
Comins, Sarah
Congdon, Ann.
Cross, Almira.
Davison, William P.
Dennis, Jared G.
Douglass, Anna.
Edwards, Lois.
Farrington, Esther.
" N. Emma.
Fenton, Susan M.
it li
Fletcher, Freeborn 0.
" Sarah.
Susan.
Foster, Deborah.
Gardner, Henry R.
" Sarah N.
Gilson, Edward P.
Goodrich, Leona.
Mattie.
" . Sarah A.
Greenman, Rhoda.
" William.
Greenwood, Mary E.
Griffin, Daniel.
" Louisa D.
Guy, Harriet.
Halliday, John.
" Margaret.
Hamilton, Hannah.
** Louise.
" William H.
Hartley, Alfred H.
Lydia A.
Heath, Mary.
Hopkins, Amanda L.
" Ann A.
Charles W.
" Samuel S.
APPENDIX 0.
255
Hopkins, Sarah.
Howard, Edmund.
" Ezra.
Ruth.
" Phebe.
Hurlburt, Mary E.
William.
Jackson, Martha E.
Ladd, Abbie.
Rufus M.
Lamb, George.
*' Louisa Gr.
Lampher, Cornelia.
Emily.
" Hannah.
. James 0.
" Lewis A.
" Sarah.
Lamphero, Jane.
*' Jennie.
Melissa.
"William.
Lewis, Cornelia J.
Emma,
" Maxson P.
Lossee, Elijah M.
Emily.
Manning, Asa.
Marsh, Abby.
*' Frances.
Martin, Sarah O.
McDavid, Catherine.
Monroe, John.
Mott, Jerusha.
Palmer, Abner.
" Sophia.
Perry, Esther A.
" Hylon N.
Phillips, Agnes.
" Annie.
" Joseph H.
Lydia A.
" Sarah A.
Pitcher, Anna B.
Mary E.
Rix, Mary.
'* Prentice A.
Robinson, Elizabeth.
Rogers, Harriet F.
" Harriet M.
'* James C.
WUliam.
Stead, Mary E.
Spicer, Francis.
Sterling, Catherine.
John M.
Subert, Sylvester.
Thompson, Lucy A.
Trask, Emeline E.
Tree, Emma J.
Upham, Adeline R.
" Albert M.
Augusta.
" Benjamin.
Nehemiab.
Welch, Hannah,
Whitmore, Harvey.
♦* Prudence.
Woodraansee, Charlotte.
» AVilliam E.
Woodward, Daniel J.
Wyatt, Mary.
Yeomans, Amanda.
" George L.
» Isabel.
256
ArrENDIX c.
Partial List of Deceased Members of Sachem Street M, E,
Chxircli^ January 1, 18C7.
"Though 1 walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no
evil."
Anderson, Maridi.
Perry, Sarah.
Bliss, Ann D.
Phillips, Elizabeth M.
Bowers, Carrie.
Robinson Franklin.
Dunham, Nancy.
" Warren.
Fletclier, Josepli.
" W^arren Mrs,
William.
" Harriet.
Hempstead, Thankful
Harriet,
Hopkins, Joseph 0.
Sabin, Wealthy.
" Lydia P.
Stedman, Frederick C.
Hurlburt, Eliza.
Thompson, Asa.
Kimon, Joseph "W.
Rhoda.
Ladd, Nancy.
• Welch, Henry.
Lathrop, Eliza.
Willctt, Prudence.
Lester, Mary.
Witter, Martha.
List oj the Original Members
of the Main Street M: E.
Church, 1836.
Allen, Elbridge G.
* Bentley, D. G.
" Harriet.
David N.
Arnold, Anna.
" Letitia.
Rebecca P.
Bill, Frank.
Avery, Joseph.
Bushnell, Sabra.
Ruley.
Butler, Nancy.
Sarah.
Callyhan, Betsey.
Babcock, Asenath.
" William,
*' Nancy.
Case, Jane.
Benjamin, Hannah.
" Sarah.
» Lucy A.
Champlin, Rebecca.
Bennett, Abraham.
Chapell, Harriet.
Chapman, Sarah.
Clark, Andrew.
" Martha.
" Sophronia B.
^* Vashti.
Cole, Betsej.
Cook, Elizabeth.
Covell, Thomas S.
" Dorothy.
Crandall, Mary 0.
Cranston, Chloe.
" Hannah.
Richmond.
Crawley, Hannah.
Darling, Martha.
Zipporah.
Davison, Batlisheba.
*' Rosella.
William P.
Dean, Hannali.
Denison, Abby.
" Jesse B.
Sarah.
Dorchester, Mary.
Dunbar, Nathan.
Eggleston, Lucy.
Fanning, Joseph.
Fargo, Mary.
Fay, Charles K.
^' Nahum.
" Nahum, Jr.
*' Phebe.
Fuller, Hannah.
" Jesse.
Gabriel, Mary P. (?)
Geer, Clarissa.
" Edna.
APPENDIX C.
Gile, Sarah.
Gifford, Susan.
Harkness, Frances A.
" George P.
Haywood, Nancy.
Hempstead, Henry.
Hernanden, Horace. (?)
Hibbard, Eunice.
Holdridge, Julia.
Hopkins, Lydia.
" Sarah.
" Joseph 0.
Howell, Sarah A.
Hubbard, Isabella.
Hyde, Julia.
Jennings, Christiana M.
" James.
Livesey, Sarah.
Logan, Caroline.
Mallory, Lydia.
Manning, Edward A.
Manwaring, Cliarles.
Miller, Jemima.
Moore, Abby.
Newbury, Catherine.
Perkins, Elizabeth.
" Hannah.
" John.
Perry, Harriet.
" John B.
Pratt, Prudence.
Prentice, Mary.
Rathbun, Elias.
" Sarah.
Roath, Nancy.
Ro':inson, Betsey.
*» John A.
APPENDIX C,
258
Robinson, Marj E.
Rogers, Abby A.
Sanders, Mary.
Searl, Caroline.
Setcliell, Maria.
Mary.
Shepard, Almira.
" Henry.
Smith, Mary.
Standish, Frances.
" John G.
Starkweather, Roxana.
Starry, George C.
" Robert.
" Sarah.
Swan, Sanford B.
Taylor, Jane.
Lydia.
Mary.
Tourtelotte, James D.
Tracy, Addison.
Truman, Henrietta.
" Henrietta F.
John.
" Joseph B.
Vaughan, Ariel.
Warren, A. G.
Wheatley, Eliza.
Wilbur, Mary A.
Willard, Elijah.
Winchester, Mary.
Yeomaus, Susan M.
Members of Main Street Churchy January 1, ]8G7.
Adams, Drusilla.
" Henry.
Allen, Catherine T.
" Sarah E.
Baker, Jane.
Barnes, Emeline.
Barrows, Jane R.
Julia A.
Bassett, Susan.
Bentley, Betsey.
" Rev. David N.
" Rev. George R.
Sarah F.
Bidwell, Ellen.
" Rev. Ira M.
*' Nancy.
Brown, Eliza.
Buddington, Nancy. '
Burdick, Mary.
Campbell, John.
Capen, Temperance.
Phihp A. •
Carter, Samuel.
Chapman, Elizabeth.
" Emily.
Enoch C.
" William R.
Church, Eliza A.
'* Harriet.
Colburn, .
Cox, John Q.
Mary.
" William H.
Crocker, Sarah.
APPENDIX 0.
•259
Crosby, Hiram.
'* Nancy.
Crowell, Mary.
Zadok 0.
Culver, Mary E.
Davis, Calista K.
" Samuel A.
Derby, Mary.
Drake, David.
Edwards, Harriet.
Fellows, Elizabeth A.
Eunice If.
" Joshua E.
Gale, Anna.
Gile, Eliza A.
Sarah.
Hall, William.
Hazen, Betsey N.
Herrick, Charlotte.
Hill, Susan.
Hiscox, Jane L.
Holmes, John.
" Mary A.
Robert.
Thomas.
Jackson, Cynthia.
Jennings, Christiana.
" James.
Johnson, James N.
Kendall, John.
" Joanna.
Kingsley, Adeline E.
*' Avalina.
" Augustus TV.
" Charles.
Kinne, Eliza.
" Joel S.
Knapp, Christine.
Latham, Caroline.
Lathrop, Abby W.
Lavender, Mary J.
Leffingwell, Ella.
** George.
Sarah T.
Leonard, Sarah M.
Lippitt, Costello.
" Emma A.
" Lois.
Lucas, Mary.
Luther,
Mallory, George.
Marden, John W.
" Linnie J.
Mason, James A.
Maynard, Emeline.
. Mitchell, John.
J. D.
Myra S.
Newton, Julia.
Palmer, Amand M.
" Robert M. -
" Roxana.
William B.
Park, Rev. Albert F.
Pease, Nancy H.
Peckhara, Emeline.
Pendleton, David.
Pollard, V/illiam H.
Price, Sarah M.
Roath, Clarissa N.
" Henry A.
Rogers, Mary.
Smith, Emeline.
260-
APPENDIX C.
Standish, Nathan. Ward, Frances.
" Abby. Winsliip, Phila.
Staples, Abby. Williams, Eliza.
Tooraey, David. Wilson, Elizabeth E.
Eliza G. Wood, S*rah C.
Thatcher, Frances L. Woodworth, Mary.
Troland, Archibald. Yeomans, Harriet M.
Walker, Eunice A.
APPENDIX 0. 261
Deaths in the Main Street M. E. Church, to Jan, 1, 18G7*
" Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
Allen, Elbridge G.
Jennings, John.
" Harriet.
Kendall, Mary.
Alverson, John.
Kingsley, Olive.
Andrews, Zephaniah.
Lampher, Joshua.
Baker, Sarah.
Meech, Mercy B.
Barnes, John.
Mitchell, Thomas.
. Bentley, Arabella.
McClellan, Hannah.
David G.
Noith, Phillip.
EHzabeth IT.
Osborn, Betsey.
" Letitia.
Palmer, Robert M.
Beach, Mercy B.
Parrish, Susan.
Brewster, Lucinda P.
Peckam, George.
Burnham, Albert.
Perkins, Ehza.
Butler, Nancy.
" John.
Callyhan, William.
Roath, Clarissa.
Clark, Andrew.
** Clarissa N.
Cleaveland, Anna.
" Jabez.
Corning, Amasa.
Rose, Alvina C.
Crawley, Hannah.
Sears, Caroline.
Culver, "
Setchellj Mar3^
Dorchester, Mary S.
Shepard, ]!]liza A.
Downer, Klizabetli B.
Shields, Jane.
Ellis, Sarah.
Smilh, Thomas M.
Fay, Nahum.
" Sarah.
Fuller, Jesse.
Staunton, Ralph B.
Geer, Clarissa.
" Sophronia.
Gibson, Prudence.
Taylor, Mary.
Gloason, Alfred.
Thompson, Susanna.
Godfrey, Benjamin.
Troland, Elizabeth.
" Elizabeth.
Truman, Henrietta.
Griswold, Ann.
Warren, Mary.
Hall, Flmeline.
Wells, Frances.
Haywood, Nancy S.
White, Emeline.
Hill, Edwin.
Wilbur, Mary A.
Hyde, Philip R.
Winchester, Mary.
Hyde, Sarah E.
Yale, Lydia.
Jackson, Lavina.
262
APPENDIX 0.
Members of the Greenville
Aldridge, B. H.
Babcock, Aaenath.
James.
Nancy.
" Susan.
Balch, Ahimaaz.
Eliza.
Baldwin, Lucian.
Banning, Losetta.
Barker, Sarah.
" Silas.
Beach, Philotheta.
Benjamin, Ann.
*' Prudence.
Bennett, Betsey.
Frances C.
" Mary S.
Bill, William.
Brady, John G.
Tryphena.
Brewster, Betsey.
•* Park M.
Bushnell, Benjamin.
" Frances.
Button, Sabra.
Clark, Clarissa.
Henry C.
" Keturah.
Coates, Edward.
Cole, Betsey.
" Frederick.
Cranston, Hannah.
Culver, Jerusha.
Susan.
F. Church, Fel. 25, 1845.
Dickinson, Cynthia.
Edwards, Ariel.
" Clarinda.
Gardner, Ehzabeth.
Mary L.
Greenman, Rhoda E.
William.
Hill, PUisha.
" Mary.
Holmes, Catherine.
Howe, Olive.
Johnson, Hannah.
** Mary E.
Kinne, Elsey.
Joel S.
" Osborn.
Lamphere, Calvin.
Emily.
'* Hannah.
Julia.
*' Lucinda.
Loramore, Samuel G. '
Maynard, Elsey.
" Jesse.
Lena.
McCandles, Azubah.
McRoby, Maria.
Obernauer, Margaret.
" Martin.
Paine, Cynthia.
Palmer, Eliza.
" James A.
" Levi.
Mary.
APPENDIX C.
263
Palmer, Nathan.
** Pardon.
Phebo.
" Sarah.
Partridge, George H.
Perkins, John R.
Phillips, Joseph H.
" Lydia.
Polly, Keriah.
Prentice, Amy.
" Sanford.
Ramsford, Harriet E.
Roath, Nancy.
Rogers, Charles.
'* Mary.
Roswell, Olive.
Sisson, Cynthia.
Julia A.
Sherman, Ariel.
Sherman, John.
Lucinda.
Stead, Jane A.
" Owen.
Swift, Samuel W,
Thatcher, Hannah.
Thompson, Asenath.
" Epliraim H.
" Susan.
Trueman, Joseph B.
Walden, Amanda.
Walker, Eunice.
Wilbur, Almira.
" John.
** Louisa.
*' Samuel.
Wilkinson, Angeline.
" Hannah 0.
Willard, Prudence.
Ifemhers of Greenville M.
Albro, Ettie.
" Frank.
" Susan P.
Anderson, Ann.
" George.
Arnold, Elijah.
" Henry.
Avery, Elizabeth.
Babcock, Nancy.
Bacon, Caroline.
Bailey, Eliza.
Bary, Ann E.
Bradbury, Charles.
" James.
E. Chnrcli^ January 1, 1867.
Brewster, Albert.
Clara.
Clark, Ella J.
Cole, Matilda C.
Cook, Frederick N.
Isabella L.
Cranston, Hannah.
Cushman, Caroline D.
Clarissa L.
Dieter, John W.
EmUy J.
Dyer, Phebe A.
Dyson, Joseph.
" D.
264
APPENDIX 0,
Dyson, Eobert.
Foster, Fannie S.
Gallup, Fannie.
Greene, Alzada.
Ilandall, Louisa C.
Harris, William.
" Ellen N.
Hawkins, Betsey B.
Hewlett, James F.
Jane U.
Holmes, Mary A.
Jennings, Elizabeth.
King, Emily E.
Lamphere, Lucinda B.
Lathrop, David D.
Mary J.
Lee, Henry P.
** Mary.
Marsh, Martha A.
McLyman, James.
" Betsey A.
Miner, Charles H.
Norris, David A.
John H.
Eliza M.
Olmstead, Sarah.
Palmer, William C.
Parkhurst, Eldora.
Perkins, Charles.
" . Emma A.
Perry, Clarissa.
" Elisha.
Potter, Emeiine.
Rathburn, Amy.
Rawlinson, William.
Richards, Mary.
Sherman, Marietta A.
Smith, Emily.
Eliza.
Stead, Jane A.
Owen.
Teft, John K.
Titcomb, Isabella.
Thompson, Susan.
Walker, Eunice.
Welch, Eunice.
Welden, Fannie L.
Jane G.
Wilbur, John.
Mary E.
** Asenath.
White, Ellen.
Yerington, Margaret.
APPENDIX C. 2G5
Deceased Memlers of Greenville M, ]E, Church.
"I 50 to prepare mansions for you."
Alexander, R.
Newcomb, Elizabeth.
Arnold, Mary A.
Obenauer, Catherine.
BtXtty, Frances.
" Isabella.
Bennett, Betsey.'
Palmer, Levi.
Clark, Keturah.
Prentice, Sanford.
Cole, Betsey.
Scholfield, Hannah.
" Erastus.
Sherman, John.
" Frederick.
Smith, AngeUne.
Culver, George.
Taylor, Jane G.
Gardner, Elizabeth.
Wilbur, Almira.
Kinne, Osborn.
Louisa.
Manwarring, Mary A.
" Samuel.
Maynard, Sena. ,
Wilson, Jessie.
" Elsey.
Members of the Free Churchy January 1, 1867.
Bentley, Clarissa A.
Culver, Roselle R.
Braman, Henry J. ♦
" William.
Brown, David.
Davis, Emma M.
" Henry N.
" Francis.
" Maria A.
Day, Mary J.
Burnap, Lyman.
Draper, Augusta A.
" Sarah A.
Eldredge, David P.
Carrier, Sarah.
Phebe A.
" Titus.
Ellis, Samuel.
Chase, Catherme.
Enos, Ellen.
Eliza.
" Joshua J.
" Stephen.
Foster, Olive B.
Comstock, A. S.
Francis, Angeline.
Mary A.
Ferguson, J. A.
12
266
APPENDIX C.
Gardner, Elisha M.
Ella W.
" Guy E.
" Jennie M.
Maria.
" Ulysses S.
Gates, Jane M.
Green, George W.
" Rebecca J.
** Sabiua.
Hazard, Mary.
Hebard, Elizabeth.
H.
Hibbard, George.
Holmes, Emelia.
Jacobs, Maria L.
Kenney, Achsah A.
Kimball, Delia.
Kingsley, Augustus W.
Leach, Henry W.
Lippitt, Harriet A.
Loomis, Abigail.
" Jane.
Miller, A. J.
Morey, Caroline A.
Mulkey, John B.
Myers, Malvina.
Owen, Rhoda.
Palmer, Julia A.
*' Roswell.
Patrick, Ellen A.
Pierce, Elmore W.
Mary E.
Price, Elizabeth*
" Sarah R.
Reynolds, Janette.
Richardson, Ann H.
Russell.
Richie, Lucy P.
Roath, Nancy.
Ross, Nettie.
Smith, Frank.
Spicer, Francina.
Sarah.
Stanton, Jane G.
Stock well, Martha S.
Teft, Caroline.
Torbush, Chloe.
Tread way, Martha 0.
Troland, James.
" John.
Louisa M.
Truman, Joseph B,
Vanname, Mary.
Walden, Mary.
" Sarah.
"Waterman, Betsey.
Weeks, Cornelia.
" Joseph.
Welch, Hannah.
Wetmore, Almira J.
" George S.
" Mary J.
Wick son, Louisa.
Williams, William.
APPENDIX C.
207
Deceased Members of the Free Cliurc\ January 1, 180Y.
Lay and local members of several Fourtli Quarterly
Conferences, beginning with that of May 28, 1842, lield at
the Landing. The union of the respective M. E. Churclies of
Korwich in Quarterly Conference commenced September 8,
1841. The list will contain only those present at session.
1841. — (as Conference year.)
David N. Bentley, Local Elder.
William Callyhan, Leader and Steward.
J. G. Standish, Exhorter.
R. Cranston, Leader.
J. Fuller,
E. A. Manning, .»
F. Coles, "
O, Beckwith, "
A. Manning, "
J. Barnes, Steward.
J.G.Brady, "
A. E. Cobb,
J.B.Perry,
J. G. Dennis, "
D.J.Woodward, "
1842. — David N. Bentley, Local Elder and Steward.
William Callylian, Leader and Steward.
James Jennings, " "
" TbcrQ shall bo no more death."
Andrus, Maria.
Avery, Hannah.
Abby, M.
Lyman, Fannie.
Norcross, Emma.
Stanton, Lydia.
Thompson, Mary L.
Wetmore, Emelia.
Carrier, Alvan C.
Hibbard, Eunice S.
208
APPENDIX C.
Frederick Coles, Loader.
Oliver Beckwith,
"William Trench,
Jesse Fuller, Steward.
John Perkins,
Caleb Pratt,
James L. Smith, Local Preacher.
1843. — David N. Bentley, Local Elder and Steward.
Albert F. Park, Local Preacher.
John G. Standish, *^ '*
Joseph Kimon, Exhorter and Leader.
James L. Smith, '*
J. A. Adams, "
F. Coles, Leader.
Richmond Cranston, *'
John Sherman, "
J. B. Truman,
J. Q. Cox,
John Perkins, and Steward.
William Callyhan, " •
Jesse Fuller, '*
John Barnes,
1844. — -David N. Bentley.
Jesse Fuller.
R. Cranston.
J. Barnes.
J. Perkins.
J. Q. Cox.
J. B. Truman.
F. Coles.
Samuel Wilbur.
J. B. Perry.
Joshua Maples.
E. A. Manning,
J. Kimon.
APPENDIX C.
269
A. W. Smith.
J. G. Stan dish.
0. Beck with.
D. J. AYoodward.
Georgo Case.
1845. — D. N. Bentley, Local Elder.
J. G. Staiidish, Preacher.
0. Bcckworth, " "
F. S. Hoyt, "
J. W. Fuller.
J. B. Perry.
A. E. Cobb.
D. J. Woodward.
J. Fuller.
J. Barnes.
R. Cranston.
E. M. Calkins.
N. Standish.
W. Callyhan.
J. Perkins.
Daniel Dorchester, Jr., Exhorter.
J. Kimon, Exhorter.
1846. — Third Quarterly Conference of the year.
D. N. Bentley, Local Preacher.
J. Kimon, " "
Daniel Dorchester, Jr., Exhorter.
L. D. Bentley, »
D. J. Woodward.
J. B. Perry.
A. Ladd.
G. Case.
T. M. Frazier.
E. G. Allen.
270
APPENDIX C.
This Quarterly Conference was divided at tlie commence-
ment of 1849, Main St. and Greenville forming one, and
Sachem St., North, and Franklin, &:c., the other Quarterly
Conference. Sachem St. M. E. Church held sei>arate sessions
from June 4, 1856, inclusive. Main St. from July 5, 1850j
inclusive.
APR 75
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